The New Orleans Pelicans made waves throughout the 2025 NBA Draft by buying and selling as much as the No. 13 general decide to pick out Derik Queen.
The take care of the Atlanta Hawks required giving up an unprotected 2026 first-round decide, a transfer that raised eyebrows throughout the league.
Nevertheless, it made clear that the Pelicans have been absolutely dedicated to including the Maryland product.
Queen’s promising begin took an unlucky flip when he injured his wrist throughout a Summer season League sport.
It sidelined him for his or her last sport, however an replace introduced information that was worse than anybody anticipated.
“New Orleans Pelicans rookie Derik Queen, who was a part of a draft-night commerce with the Atlanta Hawks, underwent wrist surgical procedure Friday and shall be re-evaluated in 12 weeks,” The Athletic NBA wrote on X.
New Orleans Pelicans rookie Derik Queen, who was a part of a draft-night commerce with the Atlanta Hawks, underwent wrist surgical procedure Friday and shall be re-evaluated in 12 weeks.
🔗https://t.co/rli3wWFsVn
— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) July 18, 2025
Queen wasted no time making an impression at Summer season League, averaging 14.0 factors, 11.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.0 blocks in three video games.
At 20 years outdated, Queen was already being thought to be one of many high massive males on this rookie class.
The Pelicans have been excited to observe his growth alongside No. 7 general decide Jeremiah Fears, making this setback significantly important.
Lacking his first NBA coaching camp creates an apparent problem for Queen’s transition.
The silver lining stays that he’s anticipated to return by October, giving him time to recuperate absolutely earlier than the common season will get going.
NEXT: NBA Draft Commerce Left Invoice Simmons Speechless