On July 18th, it was announced that Pelicans rookie big man Derik Queen underwent surgery to repair a torn scapholunate ligament in his left wrist and will be re-evaluated in 12 weeks. This news was highly disappointing for fans, as it likely means Queen will miss training camp and the start of the preseason.
This news has also left the Pelicans with a hole at the center spot, as I viewed Queen as the Pelicans' second-string center following the summer league. Queen has had his fair share of struggles while playing in the summer league. Overall though, I felt he outperformed Yves Missi and should have been considered the second-string center behind only Kevon Looney going into training camp.
With Queen set to miss some time, New Orleans may look to use their final roster spot to add some size. This is where the Pelicans could start to focus on Charles Bassey, who was tremendous for the Boston Celtics during summer league. He was a force on both ends, blocking shots, finishing lobs, and grabbing rebounds.
Bassey averaged 15.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game on an efficient 70.4% from the field across his three appearances in Vegas. The 24-year-old is an ideal candidate for the Pelicans to sign and would bolster their frontcourt depth with Queen's injury.
Rebounding and rim-protection
New Orleans ranked 19th in rebounds per game last season, and signing Bassey could help improve that. He ranked in the 98th percentile in offensive rebounding percentage last season for the Spurs, putting himself in an exclusive club alongside guys like Steven Adams and Mitchell Robinson, who are both considered among the league's best rebounders.
His ability to offensive rebound and create second chances would help him fit in with the Pelicans culture, as during the 2024-25 season, they were 5th in second-chance points scored per game.
Looking back to his college days, Bassey has consistently been an elite rim protector. During his final year at Western Kentucky, he averaged 3.1 blocks per game. Last season with the Spurs, he was in the 98th percentile in block percentage, meaning signing Bassey would give the Pelicans a high-level rim protector off the bench.
In his three summer league appearances for the Celtics, Bassey proved he deserves to be on an NBA roster. After the Derik Queen injury was announced, there's no better fit for him than the Pelicans. Not only would it fill an immediate need for New Orleans, but it would also help him rebuild his value ahead of free agency in 2026.