The New Orleans Pelicans made a bold move during the 2025 NBA Draft, acquiring Derik Queen from Maryland, but the excitement quickly turned into concern as the rookie is set to undergo wrist surgery. This injury, which occurred during Summer League play, jeopardizes Queen's rookie season before it even begins. The timeline for recovery could see him sidelined for at least 12 weeks, impacting not only his training camp participation but likely pushing back his regular-season debut.

This setback comes at a critical time for the Pelicans, who traded away a significant asset—a 2026 unprotected first-round pick—to secure Queen, demonstrating their intent to contend immediately. With the front office under pressure to reach the Play-In Tournament this season, Queen's absence raises questions about the team's depth and ability to perform while relying on a roster that has historically struggled with injuries. The potential loss of Queen as a foundational piece adds more stress to an already fragile situation, as the team grapples with the implications of their bold draft-night gamble.