Just hours prior to a pivotal game against the Denver Nuggets, rookie center Derik Queen sat pensively in a row of chairs positioned between the New Orleans Pelicans’ practice courts. Despite the mounting challenges of the season, which sees the team struggling at 3-22, the 20-year-old exudes youthful exuberance with his toothy smile and contagious laughter that mirrors his age.
DeAndre Jordan, a veteran player who won a championship alongside Nikola Jokic, described Queen as a kid. “He still has a little baby fat,” Jordan said, emphasizing the center’s youthful charm needed to navigate the difficult NBA landscape.
Queen, along with No. 7 draft pick Jeremiah Fears, represents a significant part of the Pelicans’ future, a future for which new executive vice president of basketball operations Joe Dumars made audacious decisions. On draft night, the team initially selected Fears before trading the No. 23 pick and an unprotected 2026 first-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks to acquire the No. 13 selection, where they selected Queen. This trade has been the subject of intense scrutiny, with reactions ranging from disbelief to cautious optimism regarding Queen’s potential.
Western Conference executives expressed skepticism about the trade. “Everyone I talked to after the draft were like, what the f— were they doing?” one noted. The fact that Queen became the first rookie center to achieve a 30-point triple-double against the San Antonio Spurs just bolstered his case, highlighting his unique skill set—albeit amidst a backdrop of crippling injuries and losses for the team.
Dumars remains steadfast in his belief that both Queen and Fears will eventually validate his bold moves, despite ongoing critiques from rival general managers who might not have made such a trade. “I’m trying to build culture here with some really good young players,” Dumars argued. “And I love the two young players we have.”
Queen is no stranger to scrutiny; he acknowledged that public perception can shift rapidly. “I’ve been [hearing] it all my life,” he commented, noting past criticisms transitioned into praise after his early performances.
In an interview post-trade, Dumars pointed to the need for long-term planning over immediate results. He emphasized the importance of creating a first-class organization, a task he acknowledges is gradual and complex. Since taking the helm in April, he has made several strategic personnel decisions, including hiring Troy Weaver as senior vice president of basketball operations.
Early in the season, Dumars faced significant challenges when he fired head coach Willie Green after a dismal start. The front office’s trades, including one that involved sending CJ McCollum and Kelly Olynyk to Washington for Jordan Poole, have also received mixed responses, particularly with key players like Williamson sidelined due to injuries.
As Queen and Fears have taken on more prominent roles amid the Pelicans’ struggles, they’ve demonstrated flashes of brilliance. Queen’s remarkable game against San Antonio, where he scored 33 points and recorded a triple-double, showcased his potential as a transformative player. His impressive all-around contributions did not go unnoticed, as he joined a select group of players who have achieved similar feats before turning 21, further strengthening his defensive and offensive repertoire.
The rookie’s recent performances have notably impressed veterans and coaches alike, with Draymond Green praising Queen’s versatility and on-court IQ. Similar sentiments flowed from other coaches who highlighted Queen’s resistance to pressure and ability to orchestrate plays seamlessly.
Facing incredible challenges as they attempt to build a competitive team, Queen and Fears continually encourage one another to remain resilient amid frustrating losses. Despite the weight of expectations that come with their draft status, they are focused on proving their worth and reiterating Dumars’s faith in them.
In their youth and ambition, both players symbolize a glimmer of hope for the beleaguered Pelicans franchise, as they grapple with adversity while aspiring to redefine their narrative on a brighter path forward.
