The Pelicans Mortgaged Their Future for Derik Queen—Now It’s Time for Him to Show He Was Worth It
The Pelicans Mortgaged Their Future for Derik Queen—It’s Time to Let Him Prove His Worth
In a season full of surprises, the New Orleans Pelicans have found themselves in the midst of a significant shift. The franchise, still reeling from an 0-6 start, received an unexpected blow with the announcement that Zion Williamson would miss at least a week with a hamstring strain. But despite the setbacks, a silver lining emerged from an unlikely source: rookie big man Derik Queen.
While Williamson’s absence is undoubtedly a setback, it has opened the door for Queen, the No. 13 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, to step up and make his case for a more prominent role. It’s a scenario that Pelicans fans didn’t foresee when the team made bold moves to acquire Queen in the offseason.
A Rocky Start and a Sudden Opportunity
Queen’s start to the season had been anything but smooth. Despite being highly touted as a skilled and versatile big man, the 20-year-old rookie had struggled to find his place in the rotation. In fact, just hours before the Pelicans’ first win of the season—116-112 over the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday—the team made the announcement about Williamson’s injury. For the first time this year, Queen would have a legitimate chance to show his worth.
Up until that point, Queen’s playing time had been minimal. He saw just over six minutes in garbage time against the Oklahoma City Thunder, and his minutes were steadily decreasing in the Pelicans’ first four games. But with Williamson sidelined, head coach Willie Green had no choice but to throw Queen into the fire, and the rookie delivered.
Derik Queen Steps Up in New Orleans’ First Win
Queen played 18 minutes in the Pelicans’ comeback victory over the Hornets, finishing with 12 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, and four steals on an efficient 5-of-7 shooting. More than just the box score, Queen’s presence was felt on both ends of the floor during the pivotal moments. With the Pelicans trailing late in the game, it was Queen’s steal—right after Jose Alvarado had hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with just 16 seconds remaining—that sealed the victory.
His steal was a testament to his instincts and maturity, especially considering his limited playing time so far. Jose Alvarado, who played a crucial role in the win, praised Queen’s resilience, saying, “I told him you’re a rook, they’re gonna be on your ass, but just stay true to yourself, trust your work, and that’s what he did. He got the winning steal.”
Queen also showed flashes of offensive brilliance—knocking down mid-range jumpers, showcasing a soft touch around the rim, and finding teammates with impressive passes. While there were moments of youthful exuberance, such as an ill-advised long lob pass that turned into a turnover, Queen’s overall performance suggested he’s more than capable of handling the pressure.
Why the Pelicans’ Investment in Queen Was a Gamble Worth Taking
The Pelicans’ decision to trade up for Queen this summer was a bold one, and it came at a steep price. In a series of transactions, the Pelicans gave up significant future assets, including their 2026 first-round pick, to secure the No. 13 pick in the 2025 Draft. The trade raised eyebrows, particularly because of the talent expected in the 2026 draft class, which is already being heralded as one of the deepest in recent memory.
At the time, the Pelicans’ aggressive pursuit of Queen was met with skepticism. Some even questioned whether the franchise had overreached, considering the steep price they paid. With the 2026 draft expected to produce potential superstars, New Orleans could find itself without two top-10 picks if things don’t pan out. The risk was high, but the potential reward could be immense if Queen proves to be the player they believed he could be.
Yet, with just a few games into his NBA career, it’s hard to argue that Queen hasn’t lived up to the hype. In a league where rookies often need time to acclimate, Queen’s performance against Charlotte suggests he could be more than just a future prospect—he could be an immediate contributor for a team with playoff aspirations.
A Crucial Moment for Queen and the Pelicans
With Williamson’s return likely looming in the near future, the question remains: what role will Queen play in the Pelicans’ long-term plans? Given the team’s investment in him, both in terms of the trade assets spent and the potential he represents, it would be a mistake to let him return to the bench once the team’s star player returns.
The Pelicans have nothing to lose by giving Queen a consistent chance to develop, even when Williamson is back. After all, this is a franchise that has struggled to find stability, and Queen’s versatility could be the key to unlocking a deeper, more dynamic rotation. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor, combined with his high basketball IQ, could provide the Pelicans with an asset they sorely need—depth.
As the season progresses, the Pelicans must embrace the risk they took in drafting Queen and give him a real shot to prove his worth. He may not yet be the finished product, but the flashes of brilliance he’s shown suggest that he has the potential to be a cornerstone for the future.
Conclusion
The Pelicans made a high-stakes bet on Derik Queen, and while it’s far too early to declare whether it will pay off, his performance in the win over Charlotte was a reminder that the team’s investment may not be as reckless as some initially believed. With Zion Williamson sidelined, now is the time to give Queen the opportunity to carve out a role for himself in New Orleans. The future may be uncertain, but if Queen can continue to shine, the Pelicans will be one step closer to securing their future—and his—on the NBA stage.
