New Orleans Pelicans rookie big man Derick Queen has been cleared to resume full basketball activities. Queen had surgery on July 18 to address a torn ligament in his left wrist.
New Orleans traded back into the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft to select Queen with the 13th overall pick. Queen averaged 14 points, 11 rebounds and a block in three Summer League games before suffering the wrist injury.
Queen’s return is timely, as the Pelicans will be without veteran center Kevon Looney to open the season. Looney suffered a left knee injury near the end of the preseason and will miss 2-to-3 weeks.