Queen (wrist) has been ruled out for Saturday's exhibition game against the Melbourne Phoenix.
Queen is still recovering from left wrist surgery he underwent in mid-July to repair a torn scapholunate ligament, and there remains no concrete timetable for his return to game action. The rookie big man's next chance to play will come against the Rockets on Tuesday, Oct. 14.
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Pelicans' Derik Queen: Sits out Friday
Rotowire
Queen (wrist) did not play in Friday's 107-97 preseason win over Melbourne United.
Queen underwent surgery to repair a torn scapholunate ligament in his left wrist in mid-July and was scheduled to be re-evaluated in 12 weeks. He's been limited to conditioning drills so far at training camp, and he remains without a formal return timetable.
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Pelicans' Derik Queen: Return timeline still uncertain
Rotowire
Queen (wrist) is participating in conditioning activities, but he remains without a definitive timeline for a return to play, Jim Eichenhofer of the Pelicans' official site reports.
Queen underwent surgery to repair a torn scapholunate ligament in his left wrist in mid-July and was scheduled to be re-evaluated in approximately 12 weeks, so it's not surprising he has not yet been cleared for training camp this fall. The rookie first-rounder still has time to be ready for Opening Night, though the Pelicans would figure to proceed with caution. Yves Missi (rest) would operate as the clear top center if Queen isn't available to start the season, and Kevon Looney would handle the backup role.
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Pelicans' Derik Queen: Double-doubles in SL loss
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Queen racked up 17 points (5-11 FG, 7-8 FT), 10 rebounds, three assists, two blocks and one steal across 28 minutes in Tuesday's 93-87 Summer League loss to the Trail Blazers.
Queen provided a full stat line, leading the Pelicans in rebounds and tying the team high in assists. He also finished as the team's second-leading scorer. The Maryland product has now recorded a double-double in all three of his Summer League appearances, averaging 14.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.0 blocks across 27.3 minutes per game.
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Pelicans' Derik Queen: Double-doubles in SL loss
Rotowire
Queen finished with 12 points (4-12 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 4-6 FT), 13 rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block across 27 minutes during Saturday's 94-81 Summer League loss to the Lakers.
Queen has now had back-to-back double-doubles during his first stint in the Summer League. The Maryland product crashed the glass Saturday, racking up a game-high 13 boards while also finishing as one of only three players for New Orleans to crack double digits in the scoring column.
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Pelicans' Derik Queen: Double-double in SL debut
Rotowire
Queen totaled 13 points (5-9 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 2-4 FT), 10 rebounds and three assists across 27 minutes in Thursday's 98-91 Summer League loss to the Timberwolves.
Queen showcased his interior skills in his Summer League debut, posting a double-double. The center was taken with the No. 13 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft after averaging 16.5 points and 9.0 rebounds on 52.6 percent shooting over 36 games as a freshman at Maryland. While there's still room for growth defensively, Queen's offensive tools and finishing touch give him clear potential to be a productive NBA player.
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Pelicans' Derik Queen: Goes No. 13 to NOP
Rotowire
Queen was selected by the Pelicans with the No. 13 overall pick in the NBA Draft.
Atlanta made the pick for New Orleans, so Queen is headed to the Pelicans as part of a trade that sent the 23rd pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and a 2026 first-rounder to the Hawks, Shams Charania of ESPN reports. Queen is a bit undersized for the center position, standing at 6-foot-9, but he's a skilled passer and an excellent finisher with both hands. The Maryland product was comfortable putting the ball on the floor and excelled as a rebounder. His jumper is a big question mark, as he shot just 20 percent from three at the college level. Additionally, Queen could be targeted in pick-and-roll actions early in his NBA career, considering his lack of size and somewhat sluggish movement. He'll likely begin his professional career as Yves Missi's (ankle) backup, but there isn't much more competition at center outside of Missi.
