Pelicans’ Injury Woes Deepen as Top Prospect Derik Queen Suffers Setback…see more…
Just when it seemed the New Orleans Pelicans were beginning to turn a corner in terms of health and roster stability, another unfortunate injury update has cast a shadow over the team’s summer plans. Derik Queen, the highly touted young big man drafted by the Pelicans earlier this year, has suffered a setback that may delay his NBA debut and further complicate New Orleans’ developmental timeline.
According to team sources, Queen sustained a lower-body injury during offseason workouts earlier this week. While the Pelicans have not released full details on the nature of the injury, early indications suggest it could sideline the 6-foot-9 forward for an extended period, potentially impacting his availability for training camp and even the opening stretch of the 2025–26 season.
A Promising Start Derailed
Derik Queen, selected 17th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft out of Maryland, had quickly generated buzz within the organization and around the league. Known for his polished footwork, soft hands, and high basketball IQ, Queen was expected to provide depth and versatility to a Pelicans frontcourt still searching for long-term consistency behind Zion Williamson and Jonas Valančiūnas.
The injury is a frustrating blow for both Queen and the team. After a strong showing in early summer practices and flashes of brilliance in mini-camp, Queen was seen as a potential breakout candidate for the upcoming season. With Zion’s health history and Valančiūnas entering the final year of his deal, Queen had a clear path to meaningful minutes.
Now, that trajectory is temporarily on hold.
The Timing Couldn’t Be Worse
For the Pelicans, the timing of Queen’s injury couldn’t be more unfortunate. Just weeks after learning that veteran forward Larry Nance Jr. would be undergoing knee surgery that will keep him out until at least November, and amid ongoing concerns about Williamson’s long-term durability, the Queen news adds to a growing list of medical setbacks.
The Pelicans were among the league leaders in man-games lost to injury last season, and the team’s internal goal this offseason was not just about talent acquisition—but availability. Head coach Willie Green and GM Trajan Langdon both emphasized the importance of health and continuity as pillars for the 2025–26 campaign.
“It’s frustrating, no doubt,” Green said on Friday when asked about Queen’s status. “Derik has been working hard and was really adjusting well to our system. We’re hoping it’s something manageable, and we’ll support him through recovery every step of the way.”
Rookie Development on Hold
While Queen’s injury is not considered season-ending, it represents a setback in the critical early development phase of a rookie’s career. Missing valuable reps in training camp and preseason games can delay acclimatization to the NBA’s pace and physicality.
For young bigs in particular, the learning curve can be steep. The Pelicans were planning to integrate Queen into a hybrid frontcourt role—someone who could stretch the floor, make high-low reads, and anchor second-unit defenses. That integration is now a wait-and-see process.
Assistant coach Casey Hill, who oversees player development, expressed optimism despite the news. “Derik is mentally tough and one of the smartest rookies I’ve worked with. He’s already asking for film breakdowns, and he wants to stay engaged. We’ll keep him involved in every meeting, every walkthrough—even if he’s not on the court yet.”
Roster Repercussions
Queen’s injury may force the Pelicans to revisit their offseason depth chart and potentially explore veteran insurance options. With Valančiūnas aging and Nance out, there’s now an added layer of urgency to secure additional help in the paint.
Free agents such as JaMychal Green or even a possible reunion with Jaxson Hayes—if available—could provide short-term relief. There’s also talk within league circles that the Pelicans could pursue a trade for a young center with upside, especially if Queen’s timeline stretches into the regular season.
Despite the injury, the Pelicans remain high on Queen’s long-term potential. Team officials view him as a foundational piece for the future—someone who can grow alongside their young core of Dyson Daniels, Jordan Hawkins, and of course, Zion Williamson.
A Pattern That Must End
The injury to Queen is part of a broader—and troubling—pattern in New Orleans. Since the franchise drafted Zion in 2019, they’ve been routinely derailed by the injury bug. From Zion’s own absences to Brandon Ingram’s nagging soft-tissue injuries and multiple surgeries for role players like Naji Marshall and Trey Murphy III, the Pelicans have rarely had their full complement of players.
This has led to fan frustration, questions about the team’s training staff, and ultimately, missed postseason opportunities.
In many ways, Derik Queen’s situation is a microcosm of the team’s struggle: immense talent, big expectations, but just out of reach due to untimely injuries.
Looking Ahead
The Pelicans will reassess Queen’s status in the coming weeks. If all goes well, he could be cleared for light activities by late September. Until then, the focus will shift toward rehab, keeping his mind engaged, and retooling the team’s rotation.
For fans, it’s another test of patience. But if the young big man can bounce back quickly, his long-term future remains bright. The Pelicans believe in his skill set, character, and upside.
The road to health and consistency may be winding, but if Queen can overcome this early obstacle, he could still become a critical pillar in the team’s journey forward.
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