Derik Queen, the Pelicans’ 13th overall pick, has immediately become one of the NBA’s most impactful rookies, posting the first triple-double by a rookie center in league history and ranking top-five among first-year players in all major categories, while openly chasing All-Rookie honors, a Dairy Queen partnership, and even an acting career.
In a draft class brimming with talent, New Orleans Pelicans center Derik Queen hasn’t just emerged as a top rookie—he’s rewriting history books. Selected 13th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, the former five-star recruit has wasted no time leaving his mark, displaying a versatile skill set that has analysts and fans alike questioning whether the Pelicans landed a franchise cornerstone.
The defining moment arrived against the San Antonio Spurs, when Queen exploited the defense for 33 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, and four blocks—a triple-double that made him the first rookie center in NBA history to achieve that stat line, a detail confirmed by Athlon Sports. This wasn’t a fluke; it was a statement. Queen’s ability to score, rebound, facilitate, and protect the rim at such an early stage is exceptionally rare, especially for a first-year big man.
His overall production underscores this breakout: Queen currently averages 11.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game on 47.9% shooting, placing him firmly among the elite in the 2025-26 rookie class. According to Athlon Sports’ rookie rankings, he is consistently tabbed for All-Rookie consideration, with his all-around game distinguishing him from specialists. The Pelicans, while out of playoff contention, are wisely building a young core around Queen, former No. 1 pick Zion Williamson, and sharpshooter Trey Murphy III, envisioning a dynamic, modern frontcourt.
Rookie Season Statistics
PPG | RPG | APG | FG% | 3-pt FG% |
11.3 | 6.8 | 3.8 | .479 | .280 |
In a candid Q&A with Athlon Sports, Queen peeled back the curtain on his mindset and aspirations. He acknowledges the “ups and downs” of a rookie season but emphasizes relentless improvement and contributing to winning, with concrete goals: “I want to be first-team All-Rookie and just lead the season off on a good note.” This ambition aligns with his current trajectory; his per-game averages already rival those of past rookies who became stars.
When asked about his playing style, Queen cites influences like Nikola Jokić, Joel Embiid, and Carmelo Anthony, but clarifies he doesn’t model his entire game after one player. Instead, he “takes some pieces” from each, crafting a unique identity as a pass-first center with scoring flair. Remarkably, he has sought wisdom directly from these giants: after a game, Embiid pulled him aside to offer constructive criticism, while veteran DeAndre Jordan helped connect him with Jokić. This humility and hunger to learn from the best hint at a higher ceiling.
Queen pinpoints shooting consistency as his primary area for growth, noting, “No, I feel like I have good mechanics. Just probably reps.” His three-point percentage at 28% is respectable for a center but room for expansion could make him a true unicorn. The toughest opponents? He names Embiid, Anthony Davis, and Jokić, praising Jokić’s “physical” dominance—a testament to the level he’s already competing at.
Off the court, Queen is already building a brand. He discussed his partnership with Dairy Queen, which began around March Madness last year and has evolved into a long-term collaboration. Filming a commercial for them sparked his interest in acting, joking, “I told them, I want to be in a movie, like how Boban Marjanovic was in ‘John Wick’ and stuff.” This charisma and marketability, combined with his on-court rise, make him a dream athlete for any franchise.
For the Pelicans, Queen represents more than a rookie—he’s a potential linchpin in their rebuild. With Williamson’s health always a question mark and Murphy as a rising star, Queen’s durability and skill set provide a stable core. His ability to space the floor, create for others, and defend multiple positions fits perfectly into today’s NBA. The fanbase, starved for playoff success after years of promise, can now dream of a trio that could evolve into a contender.
Why does this matter beyond New Orleans? Queen’s success underscores a shifting archetype for centers: agile, skilled, and versatile. In an era where traditional big men are often benched, his triple-double and stats prove that a center can be a primary playmaker without sacrificing defense. This could influence how teams draft and develop frontcourt players for years to come.
As the season winds down, all eyes will be on Queen’s final push for All-Rookie honors and how he translates this momentum into his first proper offseason. With a work ethic validated by vets like Jordan and a vision that extends to Hollywood, he embodies the modern NBA star—multi-dimensional on and off the floor. The Pelicans’ decision to bet on him at 13th overall looks increasingly prescient, and if his trajectory holds, Derik Queen could soon be mentioned alongside the league’s elite young bigs.
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