New Orleans Pelicans rookie center Derick Queen has officially been cleared to return to full basketball activities.

Queen has been sidelined since undergoing surgery on July 18 to repair a torn ligament in his left wrist.

The Pelicans traded back into the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft to secure Queen with the 13th overall pick.

Before the injury, he made a strong early impression in Summer League, averaging 14 points, 11 rebounds, and one block per game across three appearances.

His return comes at an important moment for New Orleans, as the team will be without veteran big man Kevon Looney to start the season.

Looney sustained a left knee injury late in the preseason and is expected to miss approximately 2-to-3 weeks.

Queen’s clearance gives the Pelicans an additional frontcourt option as they open the year without Looney, potentially accelerating his early role in the rotation.

Derik Queen Cleared To Resume Full Basketball Activities https://t.co/l19WSceNKf