Derik Queen Injury Update
Derik Queen got hurt in the NBA Summer League. He tore a ligament in his left wrist. The team said he had surgery not long after. He spent the next months in rehab and recovery.
In October, the Pelicans said Queen could get back to full basketball activities. That meant participating in contact practices and five-on-five scrimmages without holding back. The team cleared him before the regular season began. It was a big deal for Queen and the Pelicans since he missed all preseason games due to his injury.
Queen is 6-foot-10 and plays center. The Pelicans traded up for him with the thirteenth pick in the NBA draft. He was a strong player in college at Maryland. Over 36 games, he averaged 16.5 points and 9 rebounds. He shot over fifty-two percent from the field. That made him one of the top prospects for his class.
The Pelicans see Queen as part of their future. This year, the roster is stacked with new faces and Zion Williamson returning healthy. But Queen stands out as someone who could develop into a franchise player if he keeps it up.
After his recovery, Queen played his first NBA games. He looked sharp. In several games, he scored more than 20 points. He grabbed rebounds and moved the ball well. He even put up 30 points in one game against the Nuggets. Reports from recent matches confirm he is scoring above 23 points, with over 8 rebounds and 6 assists a night.
No news came out since then about the wrist bothering him again. Queen is active and in the current lineup for the Pelicans. His injury did not set him back for long. He wanted to go all-out as soon as he was cleared. The coaches and trainers watched his progress and decided he was ready.
Right now, Queen is healthy. He is handling NBA competition well after wrist surgery. The team trusts him for big minutes, and he is helping the Pelicans make a mark early in the season.
Disclaimer
This injury update reflects the latest available information regarding Derik Queen’s recovery and current status with the New Orleans Pelicans. For any medical advice, please consult the team’s official statements or healthcare professionals.
