The New Orleans Pelicans were hit with a massive injury blow ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season.
The New Orleans Pelicans were active during the 2025 NBA Draft as they made two lottery selections – Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen.
While Fears was selected with NOLA’s No. 7 overall pick, the organization engaged in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks to acquire Queen at the 13th overall spot.
In exchange for the draft rights to Queen, the Pelicans gave up their 23rd overall pick and an unprotected first-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. It shows the immense trust the Pelicans have in Queen’s ceiling.
Photo by Harry How/Getty ImagesNew Orleans Pelicans fans can’t believe Derik Queen’s injury news
So far, Queen had played games in the 2025 NBA Summer League, impressing fans with his scoring and rebounding skills.
However, Queen suffered a wrist injury vs the Portland Trail Blazers. Now, NBA insider Shams Charania reports that Queen tore a scapholunate ligament in his left wrist and will be sidelined for at least the next 12 weeks.
Pelicans forward/center Derik Queen underwent surgery to repair a torn scapholunate ligament in his left wrist and will be re-evaluated in 12 weeks.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 18, 2025
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Upon learning of the injury update, the Pelicans fanbase made a ‘cursed’ point on X.
“Pelicans’ curse is a real thing,” one fan wrote. While another added: “No, the New Orleans curse continued.”
“They’re cursed, dude,” a third fan added.
“2026 unprotected pick would be a nice thing to have,” a fourth fan sarcastically wrote.
“Hope he bounces back quick,” a fifth fan added.
As things stand right now, Queen is set to miss the start of the NBA Training Camp. Fans will have a clearer picture once he gets reevaluated.
Dyson Daniels made a ‘cursed’ admission about New Orleans Pelicans
Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images
Hawks star Dyson Daniels took a leap after leaving the Pelicans following a two-year stint. He also hurled a subtle jab at the Pelicans after winning the Most Improved Player of the Year award.
But that’s nothing compared to what Daniels said about the curse of the Pelicans.
“That organization’s cursed. Every year there’s something new. I’m happy I’m not there anymore. The curse, man. I had like four or five ankle injuries down there as well,” Daniels told the Stein Line.
He added: “There’s something down in that water down there or something. They got hamstrings. They got knees. They got concussions and stuff as well. They get everything down there.”
Historically speaking, the Pelicans have been home to some talented stars like Anthony Davis, DeMarcus Cousins, and Zion Williamson. Despite all their basketball acumen, they have failed to succeed in New Orleans.
Why? Mostly due to picking up multiple injuries during the course of a season. With Queen getting injured ahead of his rookie year, it seems like the curse of the Pelicans is still active.