New Orleans Pelicans Rookie Derik Queen Faces 3-Month Injury Absence

David

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Post on Jul 20, 2025

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New Orleans Pelicans Rookie Derik Queen Out For Three Months With Injury

New Orleans, LA – The New Orleans Pelicans announced today that rookie forward Derik Queen will be sidelined for approximately three months due to a significant ankle injury. The setback is a major blow to the young player and the team's early-season aspirations. Queen, a highly touted prospect coming out of the NCAA, was expected to play a significant role in the Pelicans' rotation this year.

The injury occurred during a recent practice session, according to team sources. While the Pelicans have remained tight-lipped about the specifics, the severity of the injury necessitates a substantial period of rehabilitation and recovery. This unfortunately rules Queen out of action for a considerable portion of the regular season.

<h3>A Setback for Queen and the Pelicans</h3>

This news comes as a disappointment to both Queen and the Pelicans organization. Queen, known for his athleticism and scoring ability, had shown considerable promise in preseason games, impressing coaches and fans alike with his potential. His absence will undoubtedly impact the team's depth and offensive firepower, particularly in the frontcourt.

The Pelicans were already facing challenges heading into the season, and losing a key rookie for such an extended period adds another layer of complexity to their plans. The team will now need to rely heavily on other players to step up and fill the void left by Queen's absence. The increased burden will likely fall upon veteran players and other young prospects vying for minutes.

<h3>The Road to Recovery</h3>

The Pelicans have confirmed that Queen will undergo a comprehensive rehabilitation program under the supervision of the team's medical staff. The team's medical director emphasized the importance of a cautious and thorough recovery process to ensure Queen’s long-term health and prevent future setbacks. While a three-month timeline is projected, the team will continue to monitor Queen's progress closely.

This extended absence underscores the unpredictable nature of professional basketball and the importance of player health and well-being. The Pelicans are expected to provide updates on Queen's recovery as they become available.

<h3>Impact on the Pelicans' Season</h3>

Queen's absence could significantly impact the Pelicans' overall performance this season. The team was already facing stiff competition within the Western Conference, and the loss of a key player will undoubtedly make their path to the playoffs even more challenging. The team’s coaching staff will now need to adjust their strategies and game plans to account for this significant personnel change. They may need to explore different lineup combinations and emphasize other aspects of their game to compensate for Queen's absence.

This situation highlights the importance of depth in professional sports. The Pelicans will need to rely on their bench players and existing roster to perform at a high level to compensate for Queen’s absence. This will be a significant test of their resilience and team spirit.

Keywords: Derik Queen, New Orleans Pelicans, NBA, injury, ankle injury, rookie, basketball, season, Western Conference, rehabilitation, recovery, sports injury, NBA news, basketball injury

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Call to Action: Stay tuned to our website for the latest updates on Derik Queen's recovery and the New Orleans Pelicans' season.