After recording a double-double in all three of his NBA Summer League appearances, New Orleans Pelicans rookie Derik Queen suffered a setback.
Queen, a Baltimore native and former Maryland star, underwent left wrist surgery to repair a torn ligament, the team announced Friday. He suffered the injury on July 15 in a game against the Trail Blazers, and the Pelicans will reevaluate the first-round pick in approximately three months.
The NBA season tips off Oct. 21, meaning that Queen could be in jeopardy of missing the beginning of New Orleans’ season. It’s a disappointing development for the 20-year-old after a promising start to his professional career.
The former St. Frances star averaged 14 points and 11 rebounds over three NBA Summer League games, shooting 43.8% from the field and 50% from 3-point range. Queen is expected to receive significant playing time for the Pelicans as a rookie after showcasing his unique skill set in one season with the Terps.
Queen led Maryland to a Sweet 16 appearance this past season, averaging 16.9 points and 9.0 rebounds per game on 52.6% shooting as a true freshman. He won Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors, becoming the first Terp to win the award since Joe Smith in 1994. Queen’s buzzer-beater in the second round of the NCAA Tournament sent the Terps to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2016 and cemented his legacy within the program despite only spending one year in College Park. He went semi-viral for his quotes after the game-winning shot, as he took the time to shout out Baltimore.
He was then drafted 13th overall in this year’s NBA draft following a bold move up the board by New Orleans, which parted with an unprotected 2026 first-round pick in a deal with the Atlanta Hawks. The 6-foot-10 Queen’s ability to pass, dribble and score is unique for his size. Some scouts have said that he needs defensive improvement to thrive in the NBA, but there are little doubts about Queen’s offensive game. New Orleans will use him in a frontcourt that also features Zion Williamson.
The next step in Queen’s development, however, will take place after an unexpected injury delay.
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