The New Orleans Pelicans are finally clicking, and it isn’t just because of Zion Williamson. During a 119-113 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night at Smoothie King Center, a 20-year-old rookie stole the spotlight and showed why the franchise’s future might be brighter than their record suggests.
How Is Derik Queen Impacting the Pelicans’ Frontcourt?
Most of the attention Monday night focused on rookie center Derik Queen, who has quickly earned the trust of his teammates. In 34 minutes of action, Queen tallied 19 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists. This performance showcased a well-rounded game that is turning heads across the NBA.
His ability to score, rebound, and create for others from the post adds a new dimension to New Orleans. This skill set enables the Pelicans to enhance their frontcourt capabilities, particularly when combined with Williamson’s dominance. The combination of these two big men is creating matchup problems for opponents.
Following the game, Williamson made it clear how he feels about Queen’s development. “He gets better every game,” Williamson said. “He’s a special talent, and I’m glad he’s with us.” Coming from the face of the franchise, that endorsement highlights just how quickly Queen has made his mark in his first NBA season.
Williamson did plenty of damage himself against Dallas. He finished with 24 points, nine rebounds, and three assists in just 25 minutes. His return to the lineup has sparked the Pelicans’ recent success, fueling a five-game winning streak that has injected new confidence into the squad after a rough start to the year.
Can the Pelicans Turn Their Season Around?
New Orleans selected Queen as the 13th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. While experts projected him as a promising player, questions remained about how quickly he could adapt to the pro game. So far, he has answered those doubts with consistent production.
Through the early part of the schedule, Queen is averaging 13.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists while shooting 51.7% from the field. He provides double-digit scoring, solid interior defense, and unique playmaking for a big man.
If Queen maintains this level of play, New Orleans might have found the perfect long-term partner for Williamson. Despite the recent surge, the Pelicans still hold a 8-22 record and sit in the 13th seed in the Western Conference. However, with a five-game win streak alive, the team looks to build momentum and climb the standings.
