Derik Queen said Saturday that he is unsure if he’ll be available to play in the New Orleans Pelicans‘ regular-season opener on Oct. 22 against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Queen underwent surgery on July 18 to address a torn ligament in his left wrist sustained in the NBA Summer League. He was initially given a 12-week timetable to be cleared, though Pelicans president Joe Dumars said this week there is no firm date set for his return to the court.
Pelicans coach Willie Green said Friday that Queen can participate in some team drills and meetings with the coaching staff. Queen is progressing in his rehabilitation, though the 13th pick in the 2025 NBA draft is still limited on the court.
“I can pretty much do everything, but it is kind of still hard for me to dribble,” Queen said. “I can’t do contact. I can dribble, but (I have) a little bit of pain. I just can’t do contact yet.”
Queen was the Big Ten Freshman of the Year last season at Maryland, averaging 16.5 points, nine rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.1 blocks. He was also named to the All-Big Ten first team, helping the Terrapins to their first Sweet 16 appearance since 2016.
The 20-year-old logged three appearances with the Pelicans in summer league, averaging 14 points, 11 rebounds, 2.3 assists and one block. He registered a double-double in each appearance, including a 17-point, 10-rebound effort against Portland on July 15.
Green can sense that Queen is eager to practice without restrictions, though he added that the team won’t rush him back into action. They are working diligently with him on his rehab plan and are hopeful that he can return as soon as possible, which Queen also agrees with.
“I’m very excited,” Queen said. “I can’t wait.”