Ex-Terps star Derik Queen has wrist surgical treatment after NBA Summer season
After taping a double-double in all 3 of his NBA Summer season League appearances, New Orleans Pelicans novice Derik Queen suffered a setback.
Queen, a Baltimore native and former Maryland star, underwent left wrist surgical treatment to repair a torn ligament, the group revealed Friday. He suffered the injury on July 15 in a game against the Path Blazers, and the Pelicans will reassess the first-round pick in roughly 3 months.
The NBA season ideas off Oct. 21, indicating that Queen could be in jeopardy of missing out on the start of New Orleans’ season. It’s a frustrating development for the 20-year-old after a promising start to his professional profession.
The former St. Frances star balanced 14 points and 11 rebounds over 3 NBA Summertime League games, shooting 43.8% from the field and 50% from 3-point range. Queen is anticipated to receive substantial playing time for the Pelicans as a novice after showcasing his distinct ability in one season with the Terps.
Queen led Maryland to a Sweet 16 look this past season, averaging 16.9 points and 9.0 rebounds per game on 52.6% shooting as a true freshman. He won Huge Ten Freshman of the Year honors, ending up being the very first Terp to win the award because Joe Smith in 1994. Queen’s buzzer-beater in the second round of the NCAA Tournament sent out the Terps to the Sweet 16 for the first time because 2016 and cemented his tradition within the program in spite of only spending one year in College Park. He went semi-viral for his quotes after the game-winning shot, as he made the effort to scream out Baltimore.
He was then prepared 13th total in this year’s NBA draft following a vibrant go up the board by New Orleans, which parted with an unprotected 2026 first-round pick in a deal with the Atlanta Hawks. The 6-foot-10 Queen’s ability to pass, dribble and score is distinct for his size. Some scouts have actually stated that he requires defensive enhancement to prosper in the NBA, but there are little doubts about Queen’s offensive game. New Orleans will utilize him in a frontcourt that likewise includes Zion Williamson.
The next step in Queen’s advancement, nevertheless, will occur after an unanticipated injury hold-up.
Have a news idea? Contact sports editor Bennett Conlin at bconlin@baltsun.com!.?.!, 410-332-6200 and x.com/BennettConlin.