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Pelicans Curse? Social media reacts to latest news of Derik Queen's injury

Originally posted on Maryland Terrapins on SI
By Chris Breiler | Last updated Jul 19, 2025 11:03 AM ET

On Friday, the New Orleans Pelicans announced that rookie center Derik Queen had suffered a wrist injury against the Portland Trail Blazers that resulted in a torn scapholunate ligament. To fix the injury, Queen underwent successful surgery that will sideline him for approximately the next 12 weeks.

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

Via NBA.com:

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 during the Pelicans’ Summer League contest against the Portland Trail Blazers on July 15. He will be re-evaluated in approximately 12 weeks.

Queen has put together a solid showing in the NBA Summer League through three games, notching a double-double in each contest. But the injury will undoubtedly set him back in his development as he now faces several months of recovery and rehab for his wrist.

News of the injury quickly made waves on social media.

— derik queen (@derikqueen1) July 18, 2025

The Pelicans Are Clearly Dealing With An Injury Curse As Rookie Derik Queen Is Out 12 Weeks After Tearing A Ligament In His Wrist https://t.co/ZpjKTAOlXD pic.twitter.com/KV434KYz8A
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) July 18, 2025

The Derik Queen injury will force him to miss all of training camp and probably the beginning of the year.

Building chemistry & getting off to a strong start just became much more difficult. Huge injury considering the magnitude of this season.
— Raphael Rattler (@Raphael_Rattler) July 18, 2025

Pelicans curse
— TCO. (@lecutiepiejames) July 18, 2025

Can we call in a voodoo priest? I think they can drive out any evil spirits we build up over the years or we can do a sacrifice & see where that takes us! Please bro I can’t take anymore injuries
— BanSirTe (@bigtgamesisbac1) July 18, 2025

Derik Queen never missed a game his senior season at Montverde and his freshman year at Maryland

comes to the pels and is immediately out for 3 months, that curse is real bro
— zion (@8tozay) July 18, 2025

Pelicans’ Derik Queen to miss three months after undergoing surgery in huge injury blow https://t.co/aCTGQUE6Ak pic.twitter.com/XMxM81eTOp
— New York Post (@nypost) July 19, 2025

#Pelicans rookie F/C Derik Queen underwent surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left wrist per @ShamsCharania. Queen will be reevaluated in 12 weeks.

The injury bug bites early for the #Pels. This one hurts. #NBA #Pels12 pic.twitter.com/SoGyN5e36d
— The Kneaux (@beinthekneaux) July 18, 2025