ORLANDO, Fla. — New Orleans Pelicans coach Willie Green said Thursday that rookie center Derik Queen is close to taking the next step in his rehabilitation from a wrist injury.
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 was seen doing full-court sprints during pregame warmups ahead of their matchup against the Orlando Magic. He is permitted to participate in some other on-court drills and should soon be cleared for contact practice.
“He is getting close,” Green said. “He is getting really close. We expect that contact should be pretty soon. Exactly when that day is, I don’t know exactly, but he is getting really close.”
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 he said last week that he is uncertain if he’ll be ready for their regular-season opener on Oct. 22. The team has been pleased with how he has attacked his rehab daily and is excited to eventually have him back in practice.
“He has done a fantastic job of working,” Green said. “Even not being able to use his hand for some time, he has gotten accustomed to getting back right, getting strength (and) a lot of conditioning. To his credit, he has worked hard to put himself in this position to try to return soon.”