Latest news with #NewOrleansPelicans
Newsweek
a day ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Marcus Smart Reveals How Luka Doncic Convinced Him to Join the Lakers
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. It's clear from the offseason moves made by general manager Rob Pelinka that the Los Angeles Lakers are going all-in on an NBA championship in 2025. With star forward Luka Doncic exercising his $52.6 million player option for next season, and point guard Luka Doncic under contract for at least 2025 (he's eligible for a four-year, $228.6 million extension on Aug. 2), the Lakers have started piecing together a much more competitive roster with the additions of 7-foot center Deandre Ayton, former first-round forward Jake LaRavia, and 2022 Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart. And it's not just Pelinka who's been recruiting talent to L.A. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Smart admitted that Doncic actually reached out to him a few times and convinced him to come join him, James, Austin Reaves and company. More Basketball: Caitlin Clark Trolls Kelsey Plum After Getting Shaded at All-Star Game Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers in action against the New Orleans Pelicans at Arena on April 04, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers in action against the New Orleans Pelicans at Arena on April 04, 2025 in Los Angeles, California."When you get a guy like Luka calling, referencing, checking on you, trying to see where you're at, to see if you want to come join something special that he's trying to cook up over here, and for him to say that he could really use my help, that meant a lot," Smart said, via ESPN's Dave McMenamin. "Played against Luka a lot, been on a lot of opposing ends of Luka magic, and to be able to come out and be on his side this time means a lot." Smart also disclosed that Doncic contacting him came as a small surprise considering they two didn't necessarily have a close friendship off the court, though he did admit they shared a close admiration for one another and always gave each other "flowers." "It first came, I was working out and I get a call from my agent saying, 'Hey, Luka's reached out' and I'm like, 'Yeah, whatever,'" Smart joked. "Then another day, the same thing — Luka reached out again, and now it's real. Marcus Smart #36 of the Washington Wizards goes to the basket against the Miami Heat during the first half at Capital One Arena on March 31, 2025 in Washington, DC. Marcus Smart #36 of the Washington Wizards goes to the basket against the Miami Heat during the first half at Capital One Arena on March 31, 2025 in Washington, Basketball: Dick Vitale Doesn't Hold Back After WNBA Players' Salary Demand "It's no longer what ifs, it's real and it's something we need to talk about. That was a great feeling like I said, and that's what kind of got the things rolling to me to be here and I'm excited to be here." The additions of Ayton, Smart and LaRavia likely make the Lakers a threat to the reigning NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder at the top of the Western Conference. After adding Doncic in early February, L.A. went 19-13 down the stretch to close out the regular season before losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.
Miami Herald
5 days ago
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Pelicans rookie C Derik Queen has wrist surgery
New Orleans Pelicans first-round pick Derik Queen is recovering from surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left wrist, the team announced Friday. The 20-year-old center, selected 13th overall in last month's draft, will be re-evaluated in 12 weeks. The timeline stretches into training camp and potentially jeopardizes his availability for the start of the season. Queen sustained the injury to his scapholunate ligament during the Pelicans' NBA Summer League game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday in Las Vegas. He averaged 14.0 points and 11.0 rebounds in three games during the summer circuit. Queen was the 2024-25 Big Ten Freshman of the Year at Maryland after averaging 16.5 points and 9.0 rebounds in 36 games (all starts). He was acquired by the Pelicans from the Atlanta Hawks in a draft-night trade. --Field Level Media Field Level Media 2023 - All Rights Reserved
Time of India
5 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
New Orleans Pelicans rookie Derik Queen out 12 weeks after wrist surgery following breakout NBA Summer League
Derik Queen is a New Orleans Pelicans rookie (Image via Getty Images) Derik Queen 's offseason, which had been going well, has ended abruptly and regrettably. This is because the forward/center for the New Orleans Pelicans recently had surgery. It was to repair a ruptured scapholunate ligament in his left wrist. In Los Angeles, California, Dr. Steven Shin carried out the procedure on July 18. In all three of his NBA 2K26 Summer League appearances, the 13th overall choice in the 2025 NBA draft recorded double-doubles. Wrist injury sidelines New Orleans Pelicans rookie Derik Queen ahead of first NBA training camp Derik Queen had wrist surgery on Friday and will be checked again in 12 weeks, his team said. The treatment was necessary for him to treat a ruptured ligament in his wrist. He was hurt on July 15 when his team played against the Portland Trail Blazers in the Summer League. According to that schedule, the New Orleans Pelicans player will be reassessed throughout the training camp and maybe close to the NBA season. Depending on how his recuperation proceeds, he may not be able to physically participate in his first NBA training camp and may not return until the NBA season begins. With three double-doubles, Derik Queen displayed an exceptional offensive skill set at the NBA Summer League. His team beat the opponent and reached the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament, where they lost. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Could Be the Best Time to Trade Gold in 5 Years IC Markets Learn More Undo After the Atlanta Hawks chose him with the 13th overall pick in the NBA, the New Orleans Pelicans made a trade for his rights. During the summer league, the rookie was displaying promise, and he looked dominant in his final game against the Portland Trail Blazers . With the opportunity to drive to the hoop, grab rebounds, and create opportunities for others, he was able to become the offensive center he was in college. Derik Queen is out of surgery now (Image via Getty Images) However, unfortunately, he got injured. Derik Queen's injury is an unfortunate setback just as he was finding his rhythm in the NBA Summer League. The New Orleans Pelicans will now have to patiently await the return of their talented rookie , hoping he can bounce back strong and resume his development as a key part of the team's future. Also read: Tyrese Haliburton spotted supporting Caitlin Clark at Indiana Fever game after recent surgery Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Fox Sports
5 days ago
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Pelicans Rookie Derik Queen Sidelined at Least 3 Months After Wrist Surgery
New Orleans Pelicans rookie Derik Queen is likely to miss at least the start of training camp after having surgery Friday to repair a torn ligament in his left wrist. Queen was hurt on Tuesday while playing in an NBA Summer League game against the Portland Trail Blazers. The Pelicans said he would be evaluated again in approximately 12 weeks, which would be after camps have begun. The procedure on Friday was to address a torn scapholunate ligament. It was performed by Dr. Steven Shin in Los Angeles. The 6-foot-9 Queen was the Big Ten Freshman of the Year after averaging 16.5 points for Maryland. His buzzer-beater against Colorado State in the second round of the NCAA Tournament sent the Terrapins into the Sweet 16, where they lost to eventual national champion Florida. He was taken with the No. 13 pick in the draft by Atlanta, and the Pelicans acquired his rights in a trade. Reporting by The Associated Press. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account , and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily! FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience National Basketball Association New Orleans Pelicans Maryland Terrapins recommended Item 1 of 3 Get more from the National Basketball Association Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
USA Today
5 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Pelicans: Derik Queen to miss at least 3 months due to wrist injury
New Orleans Pelicans rookie Derik Queen will miss at least 12 weeks after undergoing surgery to address a torn scapholunate ligament in his left wrist, the team announced on Friday. Queen sustained the injury on Tuesday in a loss against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Pavilion in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, Nevada. The surgery was performed on Friday morning by Dr. Steven Shin in Los Angeles, California. The 13th pick will miss the start of training camp, with the 12-week reevaluation date expected to occur on Oct. 10. The Pelicans open the preseason in Australia with two contests against the Melbourne United (Oct. 3) and SE Melbourne Phoenix (Oct. 4). Queen finishes summer league averaging 14 points, 11 rebounds, 2.3 assists and one block on 43.8% shooting from the field in three appearances. He registered a double-double in each appearance, including a 17-point, 10-rebound effort against the Trail Blazers. The 20-year-old had a productive run with the Pelicans, showcasing each element of his game that made him highly touted out of Maryland. He struggled with turnovers, but that is to be expected on a new team against better competition and shouldn't be too much of a concern. The injury setback certainly came at an unfortunate time for Queen and the Pelicans after a good showing in the desert. The team will be hopeful that Queen can recover quickly and get work as soon as possible ahead of his rookie campaign.
