Offensive Game
Skilled scorer with diverse tools — post moves, mid-range, and developing perimeter shot. One of the most advanced offensive big men in the 2025 draft class.
Career Journey
New Orleans Pelicans
2025-present
Draft-night trade to New Orleans
Drafted 13th overall by Atlanta in 2025, then traded to the Pelicans for Asa Newell and a future first-round pick.
Historic rookie triple-double
Recorded 33 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists with four blocks against San Antonio in December, the first 30-point triple-double by a rookie center in NBA history.
All-Rookie Second Team
Named to the 2025-26 All-Rookie Second Team after averaging 11.7 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists.
Player Agent
2025-26 season · View contract
| Season | GP | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 | 81 | 11.7 | 7.1 | 3.7 | 47.3% | 26.1% |
Derik Queen's NBA story started with a plot twist: Atlanta picked the Maryland big man 13th in 2025, then flipped him to New Orleans on draft night. The Pelicans landed a skilled, point-center type who reads the floor like a guard. As a rookie he averaged 11.7 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists, and the passing was no fluke: in December he posted a 33-point, 10-rebound, 10-assist triple-double with four blocks against San Antonio, the first 30-point triple-double by a rookie center in league history. The jumper still needs work (26% from three), but playmaking-hub skills are rare at his size, and a spot on the All-Rookie Second Team says the league noticed.
Offensive Game
Skilled scorer with diverse tools — post moves, mid-range, and developing perimeter shot. One of the most advanced offensive big men in the 2025 draft class.
Defensive Game
Physical and willing defender. Good footwork and positioning for a rookie. Developing the quickness to handle modern NBA pick-and-roll coverage.
Intangibles
High basketball IQ was one of the most noted attributes in pre-draft evaluations. Makes correct reads quickly for a player his age.
Personal Life & Family
Status
Single
Parents & Siblings
Off the Court
Youth basketball in Baltimore
Did You Know?
New Orleans gave up significant assets (pick #23 + 2026 first) to move up and acquire Queen's rights from Atlanta — a sign of how highly the front office values his potential.
Queen is from Baltimore, joining a list of Maryland products who have reached the NBA including Kevin Durant (whose roots are in the DMV area).
His passing ability for a center drew comparisons to Nikola Jokić's processing at similar stages of development — a lofty comp for a 21-year-old.
He will develop alongside Yves Missi in a rare two-center development program that the Pelicans hope creates their frontcourt of the future.
Career Honors
2025 NBA Draft 13th Overall Pick
All-Big Ten First Team
Official Jerseys
79.99
Check Price on NBA Store99.99
Check Price on NBA Store79.99
Check Price on NBA Store79.99
Check Price on NBA StoreNew Orleans Pelicans · Official
89.99
Check Price on NBA StoreAffiliate link · Disclosure
59.99
Check Price on NBA StoreAffiliate link · Disclosure
29.99
Check Price on NBA StoreAffiliate link · Disclosure
599.99
Check Price on NBA StoreAffiliate link · Disclosure
Shop · Worldwide
This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
New Orleans Pelicans
New Orleans Pelicans
Subscribe for in-depth player analysis and stat breakdowns delivered to your inbox.
