The New Orleans Pelicans selected the Oklahoma Sooners’ freshman Jeremiah Fears with their seventh pick. Interestingly, they traded their 23rd pick, Asa Newell, and an unprotected 2026 first-round pick for Derik Queen, the Atlanta Hawks’ 13th pick.
Queen had garnered fame when he hit the buzzer-beater for Maryland against Colorado State in the second round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at the Climate Pledge Arena.
However, he had the worst standing vertical leap in the NBA draft combine at 23.5 inches. Moreover, his max vertical of 28 inches was tied for the second-worst. Nevertheless, the Pelicans seem to be something different from the 20-year-old.
Derik Queen Shares Feelings on Playing With Zion Williamson
When the Pelicans selected Zion Williamson with the first pick in the 2019 NBA draft, much was expected of the Duke freshman. Unfortunately, injuries and outside noises have prevented him from playing to his full potential. When healthy, Williamson has shown how dominant he is.
Pelicans’ rookie Queen is excited to share the court with Williamson. Speaking to the media after his draft selection, the 20-year-old showed immense respect for the two-time NBA All-Star.
“With Zion, when he’s playing, he’s very dominant,” Queen said. “He’s a killer. I can’t wait to talk to him, and excited to be his teammate. Can’t wait to talk to him, pick his brain, ask him questions about the game. He’s probably going to have me doing rookie duty. But just excited to have him as a teammate. He’s been an All-Star, so he’s done it. We’ve got the same agent, so it’s all going to work out.”
In his freshman year with Maryland, Queen averaged 16.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game in 36 games. He shot 52.6% from the field and had a free throw percentage of 76.6%.
Standing at 6’10”, Queen has shown his talent as a high-post facilitator, which perfectly complements Williamson’s paint dominance. He is also capable of setting screens for Williamson to drive in. Moreover, he could use his passing ability to capitalize on the opposing team’s double-teaming Williamson, thus setting up free shots for shooters.
Queen averaged 1.1 blocks and steals each at Maryland. He has garnered praise for his defensive versatility from scouts and analysts, and his ability to defend all five positions. However, he has struggled against smaller and quicker opponents.
A front court comprising Queen and Williamson does have the potential to become elite if the rookie shows exceptional growth. If not, there is a chance the duo could overburden the team’s perimeter defenders. Moreover, Williamson capitalizes on shooters stretching the floor, and Queen has not proved to be an elite shooter.
Nevertheless, the Pelicans’ aggressive draft strategy to acquire Queen might suggest that they have a plan for him. In the upcoming season, Queen is expected to be Yves Missi’s backup.
