Pelicans Executive Updates on Derik Queen’s Injury Status
New Orleans Pelicans executive Joe Dumars recently provided an update on rookie Derik Queen, who suffered an injury during the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. Queen was diagnosed with a torn scapholunate ligament in his left wrist, which required surgery in July and is expected to sideline him for several months.
The surgery was projected to keep Queen out for at least 12 weeks, meaning he’ll likely miss the start of the season. As the preseason nears, Dumars gave a positive update on Queen’s recovery during a broadcast of the preseason game between the Denver Broncos and New Orleans Saints.
“Queen is doing well,” Dumars said. “They’re pushing him hard in training. I’ve told him, ‘You’ve got a hand injury, but that doesn’t stop your legs.’ So he’s running a lot, and I want him in great shape when he returns, or he’ll fall behind.”
Queen only played three games in Las Vegas before the injury but showed promise, averaging 14 points and 11 rebounds per game. However, his 5.7 turnovers per game were concerning, especially for a player in the post.
There’s been speculation that the Pelicans’ decision to draft Queen might affect the future of Yves Missi, who had an impressive rookie season last year. But the two players have different skill sets, and it would likely benefit New Orleans to continue developing both young big men.
The Cost of Acquiring Derik Queen
The Pelicans used their first pick in the 2025 NBA Draft to select Jeremiah Fears with the seventh overall pick. However, they were actively trying to trade up for Queen and eventually struck a deal with the Atlanta Hawks. New Orleans moved up from 23rd to 13th in the draft, sending their 2026 first-round pick to Atlanta—a pick that will be whichever is better between the Pelicans and the Milwaukee Bucks.
This trade came at a steep cost, particularly since the Pelicans are expected to miss the playoffs again this season, and the Bucks aren’t projected to be contenders either. There’s a strong possibility that pick could land in the top 10, in what’s expected to be a much stronger draft class.
The move has been met with skepticism, and while it’s too early to judge its success, Queen’s injury during the Summer League adds an unfortunate wrinkle to the decision.
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