A Star Is Born: Maryland’s Big Ten Rookie of the Year
Derik Queen’s basketball journey has been nothing short of electric. After a dominant freshman season at Maryland—where he averaged
16.2 points, 9.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game—Queen was named the
2024-25 Big Ten Rookie of the Year and earned a spot on the All-Big Ten First Team. His performances powered the Terrapins to a memorable NCAA tournament run, cementing his status as one of college basketball’s brightest young stars.
Draft Night Drama: Pelicans Trade Up for Queen
Queen’s college heroics made him a hot commodity in the 2025 NBA Draft. The New Orleans Pelicans made a bold move, trading up 10 spots and surrendering a future first-round pick to select Queen with the 13th overall pick. The move drew skepticism at first, with critics questioning the price. But Queen quickly silenced doubters with his unique blend of size, skill, and basketball IQ.
Early NBA Impact: “Baby Jokic” Comparisons and Record Nights
Queen wasted no time making his mark in the NBA Summer League and early preseason action. His passing, court vision, and feel for the game drew
comparisons to Nikola Jokic, the reigning NBA MVP. Jokic himself acknowledged the similarities, telling reporters,
“I can see it, yeah,” when asked if Queen reminded him of his own game.
Queen’s stat lines backed up the hype. He posted a
20-point, 11-assist game, joining elite company as one of the few Pelicans rookies to notch seven assists in a single quarter. He then exploded for a
career-high 30 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks against Jokic’s Denver Nuggets, earning praise from the superstar center and turning heads across the league.
Setback in Vegas: Summer League Injury Halts Momentum
Just as Queen’s star was rising, adversity struck. During a Summer League game against Portland on July 15, Queen
tore a ligament in his left wrist, requiring surgery and sidelining him for approximately 12 weeks. The injury means he’ll miss most of training camp and the start of the regular season—a tough blow for both Queen and the Pelicans, who were counting on his early contributions.
Despite the setback, Pelicans coach James Borrego remains optimistic, noting,
“I’m still learning how to even utilize this kid,” and emphasizing Queen’s rapid progression even with a delayed start. The team plans to re-evaluate him before the regular season, leaving fans hopeful for a swift return.
What’s Next: High Expectations and a City’s Hope
Queen’s combination of
athleticism, playmaking, and defensive versatility has already changed how opponents approach the Pelicans. He’s drawn “baby Jokic” comparisons for his passing and feel, but brings his own flair with greater athleticism and multi-positional defense.
With Zion Williamson locked in as the franchise cornerstone and Queen poised to return, New Orleans is quietly building a roster that could surprise the league once healthy. If Queen can bounce back from injury and continue his upward trajectory, the Pelicans’ gamble on draft night may soon look like a masterstroke.
Keep an eye on Derik Queen—his story is just getting started.
Sources
1. Derik Queen - College Basketball News & Rumors
2. Pelicans' 2025 Summer League: Injuries, Rookies and ...
3. Derik Queen just earned the kind of praise reserved for ...
4. 2025 NBA mock draft 1.0, with trades and my first ...
5. Pelicans' Derik Queen: Scores 20 points with 11 dimes
6. Insights, fun & more Archieven
7. Pelicans practice report: Derik Queen rapid progression ...
8. Tag Archives: Big East
9. Nikola Jokić Impressed By Derik Queen's 30-point ...
10. The Latest News - Hoop City
11. Cooper Flagg vs. Derik Queen Highlights
