NBA Lottery Pick Derik Queen Breaks Silence on Devastating Setback Following Draft Buzz…read more…
Just weeks after hearing his name called in the top 10 of the 2025 NBA Draft, Derik Queen has broken his silence on the unexpected and unfortunate development that has cast a shadow over the start of his professional career.
The Indiana Pacers’ prized lottery selection has confirmed that he suffered a significant injury during a team-organized workout, sidelining him indefinitely and likely forcing him to miss the start of the upcoming NBA season. Queen, a standout forward from the University of Maryland, was selected with the No. 9 overall pick and had drawn rave reviews for his maturity, basketball IQ, and post scoring ability.
Now, just as his NBA dream was becoming reality, Queen is facing a frustrating detour.
A Sudden Turn
Rumors began circulating earlier this week when Queen was noticeably absent from the Pacers’ Summer League games in Las Vegas. Initially believed to be a minor precaution due to fatigue, the truth came to light on Wednesday evening when sources close to the team revealed the rookie had suffered a partial tear in his right meniscus during a scrimmage.
The team has not yet announced an official recovery timeline, but orthopedic specialists estimate the recovery could range from 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the severity and type of treatment pursued — whether non-surgical rehab or a minor arthroscopic procedure.
Derik Queen Speaks Out
On Thursday morning, Queen took to social media to share his thoughts publicly for the first time since the injury news broke.
> “This isn’t how I imagined starting my NBA career,” Queen posted on X (formerly Twitter). “But I know setbacks are part of the journey. I’ve been through adversity before, and I’ll come back stronger. Appreciate all the love and support — I’ve got work to do.”
The message was accompanied by a photo of Queen in Pacers gear, sitting courtside with a brace on his knee but flashing a determined smile.
A Stellar Prospect with Untapped Potential
Coming out of Maryland, Queen was regarded as one of the most polished big men in the draft class. At 6-foot-9 and 240 pounds, he showcased soft hands, nimble footwork, and a versatile offensive game. He averaged 17.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game as a freshman, drawing comparisons to Al Horford and Zach Randolph for his ability to impact the game with skill rather than sheer athleticism.
Queen’s draft stock rose sharply during pre-draft workouts, with scouts praising his calm demeanor, high basketball IQ, and willingness to play within the flow of the offense.
The Pacers, already featuring a young core headlined by Tyrese Haliburton and Bennedict Mathurin, saw Queen as the perfect frontcourt complement — someone who could grow alongside their dynamic backcourt and provide much-needed inside presence.
Reaction from the Franchise
The Pacers’ front office issued a brief statement shortly after Queen’s post, expressing support and confidence in the young forward.
> “We are confident Derik will make a full recovery and return stronger than ever. His approach to the game and professionalism have already impressed everyone in the organization. He has our full support during his recovery process.”
Head coach Rick Carlisle also weighed in, speaking to reporters before the Pacers’ Summer League game Thursday evening.
> “Obviously, it’s disappointing,” Carlisle said. “You never want to see a young player go down before even getting a chance to play. But Derik is mature beyond his years. He’s already talking about film study, learning the system, and staying mentally engaged while he rehabs. That says a lot about who he is.”
A Familiar Road for Queen
This isn’t the first time Derik Queen has had to overcome adversity. During his high school career at Montverde Academy, Queen briefly dealt with knee soreness that kept him out of competition for several weeks. He used that time to focus on his body, develop his upper-body strength, and improve his conditioning.
That disciplined mindset is now being tested again.
> “I know how to handle this,” Queen told team doctors, according to an unnamed source. “Let me get in the gym, do the rehab, and I’ll be back.”
While missing training camp and preseason would be a tough blow for any rookie, those around Queen remain confident that his development won’t be significantly derailed.
The Bigger Picture for Indiana
For Indiana, the injury slightly complicates their short-term rotation planning, but it doesn’t change their long-term vision. With frontcourt depth that includes Isaiah Jackson, Jalen Smith, and veteran Myles Turner, the team can afford to be patient with Queen’s return.
Still, fans were eager to see the rookie in action, especially after the momentum from his impressive draft interviews and early practices. Some even hoped Queen could challenge for a starting spot by midseason. Now, expectations are being recalibrated — but not abandoned.
> “This is just a pause, not a stop,” said Pacers General Manager Chad Buchanan. “We believe in Derik’s talent and his character. He’s going to be a big part of our future.”
Looking Ahead
For now, Queen will remain with the team in Indianapolis while beginning a structured rehabilitation program. His progress will be monitored closely, and depending on how his knee responds, he could return sometime before the new year.
It’s not the dream start he envisioned, but as Queen himself put it, the journey is just beginning.
> “You can’t control everything,” he wrote in his closing message. “But you can control how you respond. And I’m responding with work, faith, and focus.”
Pacers fans and the NBA community will be watching — and rooting — for Derik Queen to rise
NBA Lottery Pick Derik Queen Breaks Silence on Devastating Setback Following Draft Buzz
By [Your Name] | July 18, 2025 | 900 Words
Just weeks after hearing his name called in the top 10 of the 2025 NBA Draft, Derik Queen has broken his silence on the unexpected and unfortunate development that has cast a shadow over the start of his professional career.
The Indiana Pacers’ prized lottery selection has confirmed that he suffered a significant injury during a team-organized workout, sidelining him indefinitely and likely forcing him to miss the start of the upcoming NBA season. Queen, a standout forward from the University of Maryland, was selected with the No. 9 overall pick and had drawn rave reviews for his maturity, basketball IQ, and post scoring ability.
Now, just as his NBA dream was becoming reality, Queen is facing a frustrating detour.
A Sudden Turn
Rumors began circulating earlier this week when Queen was noticeably absent from the Pacers’ Summer League games in Las Vegas. Initially believed to be a minor precaution due to fatigue, the truth came to light on Wednesday evening when sources close to the team revealed the rookie had suffered a partial tear in his right meniscus during a scrimmage.
The team has not yet announced an official recovery timeline, but orthopedic specialists estimate the recovery could range from 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the severity and type of treatment pursued — whether non-surgical rehab or a minor arthroscopic procedure.
Derik Queen Speaks Out
On Thursday morning, Queen took to social media to share his thoughts publicly for the first time since the injury news broke.
> “This isn’t how I imagined starting my NBA career,” Queen posted on X (formerly Twitter). “But I know setbacks are part of the journey. I’ve been through adversity before, and I’ll come back stronger. Appreciate all the love and support — I’ve got work to do.”
The message was accompanied by a photo of Queen in Pacers gear, sitting courtside with a brace on his knee but flashing a determined smile.
A Stellar Prospect with Untapped Potential
Coming out of Maryland, Queen was regarded as one of the most polished big men in the draft class. At 6-foot-9 and 240 pounds, he showcased soft hands, nimble footwork, and a versatile offensive game. He averaged 17.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game as a freshman, drawing comparisons to Al Horford and Zach Randolph for his ability to impact the game with skill rather than sheer athleticism.
Queen’s draft stock rose sharply during pre-draft workouts, with scouts praising his calm demeanor, high basketball IQ, and willingness to play within the flow of the offense.
The Pacers, already featuring a young core headlined by Tyrese Haliburton and Bennedict Mathurin, saw Queen as the perfect frontcourt complement — someone who could grow alongside their dynamic backcourt and provide much-needed inside presence.
Reaction from the Franchise
The Pacers’ front office issued a brief statement shortly after Queen’s post, expressing support and confidence in the young forward.
> “We are confident Derik will make a full recovery and return stronger than ever. His approach to the game and professionalism have already impressed everyone in the organization. He has our full support during his recovery process.”
Head coach Rick Carlisle also weighed in, speaking to reporters before the Pacers’ Summer League game Thursday evening.
> “Obviously, it’s disappointing,” Carlisle said. “You never want to see a young player go down before even getting a chance to play. But Derik is mature beyond his years. He’s already talking about film study, learning the system, and staying mentally engaged while he rehabs. That says a lot about who he is.”
A Familiar Road for Queen
This isn’t the first time Derik Queen has had to overcome adversity. During his high school career at Montverde Academy, Queen briefly dealt with knee soreness that kept him out of competition for several weeks. He used that time to focus on his body, develop his upper-body strength, and improve his conditioning.
That disciplined mindset is now being tested again.
> “I know how to handle this,” Queen told team doctors, according to an unnamed source. “Let me get in the gym, do the rehab, and I’ll be back.”
While missing training camp and preseason would be a tough blow for any rookie, those around Queen remain confident that his development won’t be significantly derailed.
The Bigger Picture for Indiana
For Indiana, the injury slightly complicates their short-term rotation planning, but it doesn’t change their long-term vision. With frontcourt depth that includes Isaiah Jackson, Jalen Smith, and veteran Myles Turner, the team can afford to be patient with Queen’s return.
Still, fans were eager to see the rookie in action, especially after the momentum from his impressive draft interviews and early practices. Some even hoped Queen could challenge for a starting spot by midseason. Now, expectations are being recalibrated — but not abandoned.
> “This is just a pause, not a stop,” said Pacers General Manager Chad Buchanan. “We believe in Derik’s talent and his character. He’s going to be a big part of our future.”
Looking Ahead
For now, Queen will remain with the team in Indianapolis while beginning a structured rehabilitation program. His progress will be monitored closely, and depending on how his knee responds, he could return sometime before the new year.
It’s not the dream start he envisioned, but as Queen himself put it, the journey is just beginning.
> “You can’t control everything,” he wrote in his closing message. “But you can control how you respond. And I’m responding with work, faith, and focus.”
Pacers fans and the NBA community will be watching — and rooting — for Derik Queen to rise
above this early hurdle and prove why he was a top-10 pick in the first place.
above this early hurdle and prove why he was a top-10 pick in the first place.
