New Orleans Pelicans rookie Derik Queen said that he is uncertain if he’ll be available to play in their regular-season opener against the Memphis Grizzlies on Oct. 22.
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 he is still limited to the non-contact portions of practice.
The 13th pick in the draft can participate in some team drills and meetings with the coaching staff. He is working extensively on his conditioning and other on-court activities.
“It is tough,” Queen said. “A lot of conditioning. A lot of weight room. I just got to watch my teammates out there play 5-on-5, and them doing the whole practice while I can only do a partial practice.”
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.
Queen has been eager to practice without restrictions, though the team won’t be rushing him back into action. In the meantime, he has gathered some information about their sets and coverages, and he offered a few other observations from practice thus far.
“Everybody goes hard,” Queen said of the team’s training camp. “Practice is physical and tough. Everybody is just trying to win and get on the same page, pretty much.”