Derik Queen made his debut for the New Orleans Pelicans in Summer League, and showed flashes of potential.
Ahead of the NBA Draft, Derik Queen was projected as one of the most interesting prospects due to his unique skillset.
Queen was even compared to Nikola Jokic, before the New Orleans Pelicans sacrificed their 2026 first round draft pick to trade up to select him in the 2025 Draft.
The rookie is still a very raw prospect, as he demonstrated in his NBA Summer League debut.
Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images
How Derik Queen fared
Derik Queen and fellow rookie Jeremiah Fears both started for the Pelicans in their 91-98 loss to the Joan Beringer-inspired Minnesota Timberwolves.
Coach Corey Brewer bemoaned the team’s turnovers in the loss, with Derik Queen responsible for seven in total.
It was not all bad. Queen posted a double-double, recording 13 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists during his 26 minutes of playing time.
Kendrick Perkins backs Derik Queen
Former NBA star and ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins likes what he saw from Derik Queen, and believes that with time, he will make a real impact in the league.
He wrote: “Just wait until he gets that NBA strength and conditioning!!! He’s going to be a Serious PROBLEM.”
Summer League counts for little other than allowing players to get a taster of the NBA, and Queen’s performance showed plenty to be positive about.
Queen has already stated he can’t wait to play alongside Zion Williamson, and the potential pairing could be fascinating to watch.