The New Orleans Pelican was hit by a more serious injury blow than the 2025-26 NBA season.
The New Orleans Pelican was active during the 2025 NBA Draft as he chose two lottery tickets: Jeremiah’s Fear and Derrick Queen.
Fear was selected at NOLA’s seventh overall pick, but the organization engaged in trade with the Atlanta Hawks and won the queen at the 13th overall spot.
In exchange for the Queen’s Rights Draft, the Pelicans waived their 23rd overall pick and unprotected first-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. It shows the immeasurable trust the Pelicans have on the Queen’s ceiling.
So far, Queen has played the game in the 2025 NBA Summer League and has impressed fans with her scores and rebound skills.
However, Queen suffered a wrist injury. Currently, NBA insider Shams Charania reports that the Queen has torn Ho-synia on her left wrist and will be on the sidelines for at least the next 12 weeks.
Learning to update injuries, the Pelican fanbase created a “cursed” point with X.
“The Pelican Curse is real,” one fan wrote. Another was added, but “No, the New Orleans curse continued.”
“They’re cursed, guys,” the third fan added.
“The unprotected pick in 2026 is a good thing,” the fourth fan sarcastically wrote.
“I hope he bounces off quickly,” the fifth fan added.
Due to the current situation, Queens are set to miss the start of NBA training camp. Once he is re-evaluated, fans will get a clearer picture.
Hawks star Dyson Daniels made the leap after leaving the Pelican following a two-year stint. He also threw a subtle jab at the Pelican after winning the Most Improved Player of the Year award.
But that’s nothing compared to what Daniels said about the Pelican curse.
“That organization is cursed. Something new every year. I’m happy that I’m not there anymore. Curse, man. I also liked four or five ankle injuries there,” Daniels told Steinline.
He added: “There’s something in the water there. They got hamstrings. They got on their knees. They got concussions and things. They got everything there.”
Historically, the Pelican was home to talented stars such as Anthony Davis, DeMarcus Cousins and Zion Williamson. Despite all their basketball insights, they failed to succeed in New Orleans.
why? It’s mainly because he picked up multiple injuries during the season. The Pelican curse appears to be still active as Queen was injured in his rookie year.