Pelicans head coach Willie Green announced that rookie Derik Queen is nearing clearance for contact drills following his left wrist surgery in July. Selected 13th overall, Queen has been sidelined throughout preseason but is making significant strides in his recovery. With Kevon Looney currently out due to a knee injury, Queen’s return would be timely for the Pelicans. In the interim, Yves Missi is expected to start at center as the season kicks off.