Former College Basketball Star Out for At Least 12 Weeks — 'Franchise Is Cursed'

Former College Basketball Star Out for At Least 12 Weeks — 'Franchise Is Cursed' originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Derik Queen, who starred for the Maryland Terrapins in his lone collegiate season in 2024-25, is off to a rough start to his NBA career.

Selected by the Atlanta Hawks with the 13th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft before being traded to the New Orleans Pelicans, Queen suffered a wrist injury during their Summer League game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday.

The Pelicans called the injury a torn scapholunate ligament in his left wrist, which required surgery. The 20-year-old center underwent successful surgery on Friday, but he's now facing a long recovery.

According to the team, Queen will be "re-evaluated in approximately 12 weeks." That means the big man will be sidelined for the team's preseason games. It also remains possible that Queen misses the start of the 2025-26 campaign — which kicks off on October 21 — depending on the results of his evaluation.

The New Orleans Pelicans announced today that forward/center Derik Queen underwent successful surgery to address a torn scapholunate ligament in his left wrist. The surgery was performed this morning by Dr. Steven Shin in Los Angeles, California.

Queen sustained the injury… pic.twitter.com/6uIgQk4L1P

— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) July 18, 2025

After news of Derik Queen's injury and recovery timeline emerged, fans were quick to express their frustration and highlight the concerning injury trend surrounding the Pelicans, with one even saying that the "franchise is cursed."

It is worth noting that injuries have often followed the Pelicans. The most notable case was 2019 No. 1 pick Zion Williamson, who missed the first three months of his NBA career due to a torn meniscus.

"And so…it begins. ….again," a frustrated fan said. Another one shared, "Bruh the season ain’t even start yet…. Thought maybe things would be different this year."

"Cursed franchise man," a disappointed follower wrote.

A fifth social media user remarked, "Not again."

"Pelicans curse," a poster added, a sentiment echoed by a lot more followers. "Y’all are cursed…" a commenter added.

Derik Queen Stats, NBA Draft Trade and More

Queen was the Big Ten Freshman of the Year and a member of the All-Big Ten First Team in 2025 after averaging 16.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.1 blocks in 36 games.

He was a key member of the Terrapins in their NCAA Tournament run, even sending the team to the Sweet 16 with his buzzer-beater against Colorado State in the second round — although there was some controversy surrounding it, as several viewers claimed he committed a traveling violation.

MARYLAND MADNESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TERPS WIN IT! pic.twitter.com/NO0UozXVyj

— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 24, 2025

Regardless, Queen's sensational year and big run allowed him to be a lottery pick. The Pelicans sent the No. 23 pick of the 2025 Draft and an unprotected 2026 first-round pick to get his rights from the Hawks.

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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 18, 2025, where it first appeared.