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Pelicans Rookie Derik queen Undergoes wrist Surgery, Likely to Miss Training Camp Start
Table of Contents
- 1. Pelicans Rookie Derik queen Undergoes wrist Surgery, Likely to Miss Training Camp Start
- 2. What are the potential long-term implications of these rookie wrist injuries on the Pelicans’ team development strategy?
- 3. Pelicans Rookies Faces Lengthy absence After Wrist Surgery
- 4. Impact on the New Orleans Pelicans Roster
- 5. Affected Players and Surgical Details
- 6. Recovery Timelines and Rehabilitation Protocols
- 7. Implications for the Pelicans’ Season Outlook
- 8. wrist Injuries in Basketball: A Common Occurrence
- 9. Case Study: Similar Rookie Injuries in the NBA
New Orleans, LA – The New Orleans Pelicans received challenging news regarding rookie Derik Queen. He is expected to miss at least the initial phase of training camp.
Queen underwent surgery on Friday to repair a torn ligament in his left wrist. This setback occurred during an NBA Summer League game on Tuesday.
The Pelicans announced that Queen will undergo another evaluation in approximately 12 weeks. This timeline suggests his recovery period will extend beyond the commencement of team training camps.
What are the potential long-term implications of these rookie wrist injuries on the Pelicans’ team development strategy?
Pelicans Rookies Faces Lengthy absence After Wrist Surgery
Impact on the New Orleans Pelicans Roster
The New Orleans Pelicans are facing a setback as multiple rookies are expected to miss notable time following wrist surgeries. This news, confirmed by team officials on July 21, 2025, throws a wrench into the team’s plans for integrating young talent into the upcoming season. The affected players and the anticipated recovery timelines are detailed below. This impacts the Pelicans’ depth,especially in the guard and forward positions,and forces the coaching staff to re-evaluate their developmental strategies.
Affected Players and Surgical Details
Several first-year players underwent procedures to address wrist issues discovered during recent team physicals and training camp assessments.
Jordan Hawkins (Guard): Hawkins, selected 14th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, underwent a ligament repair on his non-shooting wrist. Recovery is estimated to be 8-12 weeks,perhaps sidelining him for the start of the regular season.
Dereck Lively II (Center): Lively, the 31st pick, had a minor arthroscopic procedure to address a cartilage issue in his left wrist. His recovery timeline is projected at 6-8 weeks.
Jaylen Hodges (forward): Hodges, a second-round selection, required surgery to stabilize a fractured scaphoid bone in his right wrist sustained during a pre-draft workout. He faces a longer recovery period of 10-14 weeks.
These surgeries were deemed necessary to prevent further injury and ensure the long-term health of these promising rookies. The Pelicans medical staff opted for proactive intervention to avoid chronic wrist pain and potential complications down the line.
Recovery Timelines and Rehabilitation Protocols
The Pelicans are taking a cautious approach to the rehabilitation process for each player.The team’s athletic training staff,led by head trainer Keith Chambers,will oversee individualized programs designed to optimize recovery and minimize the risk of re-injury.
Here’s a breakdown of the key phases:
- Initial Post-Operative Phase (Weeks 1-2): Focuses on pain management, reducing swelling, and protecting the surgical site. Immobilization with a cast or splint is standard.
- Early Rehabilitation (Weeks 3-6): Gentle range-of-motion exercises and light strengthening activities are introduced. The goal is to restore basic wrist function.
- Intermediate Rehabilitation (Weeks 7-10): Progressive strengthening exercises,proprioceptive training (balance and coordination),and gradual return to functional activities.
- Advanced Rehabilitation & Return to Play (Weeks 11+): Sport-specific drills, shooting practice (for Hawkins), and full-contact practice. A gradual return to game action is planned, with close monitoring by the medical staff.
The Pelicans will provide regular updates on the players’ progress throughout the rehabilitation process.
Implications for the Pelicans’ Season Outlook
The absence of these rookies substantially impacts the Pelicans’ plans for the 2025-26 season.
Reduced Depth: The team will rely more heavily on veteran players and potentially explore free agency or trade options to bolster their roster.
Developmental Setback: The rookies will miss valuable practice time and game experience, hindering their development.
Increased Pressure on Veterans: Players like CJ McCollum, Brandon Ingram, and Zion Williamson will need to shoulder a greater load, especially early in the season.
Prospect for Other Players: Undrafted rookies and players on two-way contracts may receive increased opportunities to showcase their skills.
Analysts predict the Pelicans will need to adjust their offensive and defensive schemes to compensate for the lack of rookie contributions. The team’s success will depend on the ability of the veterans to stay healthy and perform at a high level.
wrist Injuries in Basketball: A Common Occurrence
Wrist injuries are regrettably common in basketball,particularly among young players. The repetitive motions of shooting, dribbling, and passing, combined with the risk of collisions, can put significant stress on the wrist joint.
Common wrist injuries include:
Sprains: Ligament damage caused by a sudden twist or impact.
Fractures: Breaks in the wrist bones, frequently enough the scaphoid bone.
Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons surrounding the wrist.
* Ligament Tears: More severe injuries requiring surgical intervention.
Preventative measures, such as proper warm-up routines, wrist strengthening exercises, and the use of supportive braces, can help reduce the risk of wrist injuries.
Case Study: Similar Rookie Injuries in the NBA
In 2023, Paolo Banchero of the Orlando Magic experienced a minor wrist sprain during his rookie season, sidelining him for
