Derik Queen Achieves Career-High 30 Points, Leads Pelicans in Impressive All-Around Performance

Rookie center Derik Queen delivered a career-high 30 points (12-18 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 5-8 FT), nine rebounds, four assists, two steals, and two blocks in 30 minutes during Wednesday's 125-118 loss to the Nuggets. This marked his third consecutive start, and he led the New Orleans Pelicans in points, rebounds, and blocks. The 20-year-old, 6-foot-10 big man, who signed a two-year, $10.57 million contract in July 2025, is expected to continue seeing ample playing time on the struggling Pelicans, having logged 25-plus minutes in eight straight games. Queen, a former Big Ten Freshman of the Year and First-Team All-Big Ten selection at Maryland, is known for his lethal face-up game and elite transition play, drawing many free-throw attempts. While his jumper and defensive technique are still developing, his size, athleticism, and versatility offer significant upside, with comparisons to Zach Randolph, Julius Randle, and Alperen Sengun.