Maryland big Derik Queen is one of the best playmakers in the 2025 NBA Draft class and has seen his stock rise throughout the pre-draft process to the point where he is widely projected to be a top-10 pick.
His rise is not surprising either, as at 6’10” and 246 pounds, Queen has an NBA-ready body for a big, along with advanced handles and a soft touch around the rim.
However, there are concerns about Queen’s scoring and shooting abilities. His jumper is not fully developed yet, and one NBA Scout believes there are multiple red flags in the projected lottery pick’s game.
NBA Scout Reveals “Concerning” Outlook for Derik Queen
Queen will be 21 years old before the end of the next regular season, and one anonymous NBA scout raised alarm about his development with HoopsHype, arguing he had spent the vital developmental years from age 19 to 21 in high school, and it would limit his ceiling in the NBA.
“Derik Queen is skilled, big, and has a decent body,” the scout said. “But if he’s turning 21, how much better is he actually going to get? Those crucial years of development from 19 to 21, when you’re in the league, are vital for improving your jumper, getting faster, and enhancing your offensive game. He missed out on that because he was in high school and college.”
The Scout revealed that while Queen was his favorite freshman to watch, he felt the 20-year-old’s age and limited upside are concerning.
“I don’t want to sound negative – I really like Derik Queen, and I want him to succeed,” he added. “He’s probably one of my favorite freshmen to watch this year. However, his age and limited upside are a little concerning. He’s definitely a high-floor guy.”
There are concerns about Queen’s interior defense, but his offense is ready to go. The freshman averaged 16.5 points and 9.0 rebounds per game, shooting 56% on 2-point field goal attempts. His jumper is in the early stages, and while his outside shooting is still developing, there’s reason to believe Queen can eventually stretch the floor. He shows touch from midrange and shoots over 75% from the free-throw line, a good indicator of shooting potential.
If Queen becomes a consistent threat from deep, his offensive ceiling rises even further. On defense, he has limitations, but enough size and smarts to hold his own in most matchups.
The aggregate NBA mock draft from HoopsHype predicted Queen to be selected ninth overall by the Toronto Raptors, and so did PFSN’s latest mock draft by Brandon Austin.
“Derik Queen checks a lot of boxes for a Toronto Raptors team that needs to add more skilled and versatile talent to its frontcourt,” Austin wrote. “He’s one of the most polished big men in this class, blending strength and finesse with a uniquely high basketball IQ. While Queen isn’t the most explosive athlete, his game is built around touch, timing, and feel.
“At 6’9″ and nearly 250 pounds, Queen plays with force on the block but complements his power with exceptional footwork, soft hands, and a reliable scoring touch around the rim. He’s a legitimate low-post technician who can manufacture space and get creative with his finishes. What separates Queen from many traditional big men is his vision and passing feel. He’s one of the best playmaking bigs in this draft.”
Derik Queen says he’s met with five different teams so far at the Draft Combine including the Toronto Raptors:
“I’ve never been to Toronto. I heard it’s nice, but I heard they got the worst taxes also,” he jokes. pic.twitter.com/1zhyhAlBUv
— Libaan Osman (@libaanstar1)
The Raptors are starting to look like a playoff-caliber team and need something from their big man position. And with Queen, they might get that added layer that takes them over the hump and right back into the postseason after their brief hiatus.
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