The New Orleans Pelicans thought they had their future frontcourt anchor locked and loaded. Three Summer League games in, rookie Derik Queen was showing flashes of versatility, but one awkward play against Portland changed everything.
How Will Derik Queen’s Surgery Impact New Orleans’ Training Camp Plans?
The New Orleans Pelicans made a surprise announcement on Friday (July 18), reporting that their prized rookie center, Queen, underwent surgery to repair an injury to his left wrist that he suffered during an NBA Summer League game against the Portland Trail Blazers. New Orleans lost that game, 93-87.
The New Orleans Pelicans announced today that forward/center Derik Queen underwent successful surgery to address a torn scapholunate ligament in his left wrist. The surgery was performed this morning by Dr. Steven Shin in Los Angeles, California.
Queen sustained the injury… pic.twitter.com/6uIgQk4L1P
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) July 18, 2025
Queen tore the scapholunate ligament in his left wrist during Tuesday’s game (July 15), and orthopedic surgeon Dr. Steven Shin performed the surgery in Los Angeles, California. The Pelicans expect Queen to be re-evaluated in 12 weeks, which puts his return around mid-October, close to the beginning of the 2025-26 NBA season.
How Did Queen Perform Before the Injury Ended His Summer?
Prior to his injury, Queen appeared in three Summer League games for New Orleans, averaging 14 points, 11 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 27.1 minutes per game. In his final game against Portland, he handled the ball more on the perimeter, which resulted in eight turnovers. However, he also delivered his best offensive output of the three games, recording 17 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists.
The injury represents a setback for the Pelicans, who had faced some criticism in their maneuvers to select Queen with the 13th pick in this year’s NBA Draft, having moved up from number 23 in the first round and giving up a 2026 unprotected first-round pick to acquire him from the Atlanta Hawks.
This latest injury adds to New Orleans’ mounting health concerns. The roster is already dealing with multiple issues, including Dejounte Murray recuperating after suffering a torn Achilles in January and forward Zion Williamson being closely monitored after the team shut him down toward the end of the 2024-25 season.
Despite these challenges, the Pelicans have stayed active in the trade market. They’ve made deals for guard Jordan Poole and forward Saddiq Bey, while also signing veteran center Kevan Looney to a two-year, $16 million contract and extending forward Herb Jones on a three-year, $68 million deal.
Queen had an impressive one-and-done season at Maryland, where he showcased his scoring ability. The 6-foot-10 Baltimore native was getting the opportunity to expand his game by handling the ball away from the post, presumably to create more room for Williamson to operate. The bright spot for New Orleans is that Queen could see some time in training camp if he heals ahead of schedule.
