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Pelicans' Derik Queen: Stuffs stat sheet Wednesday
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Queen contributed 20 points (8-21 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 4-4 FT), nine rebounds, six assists and one block across 27 minutes off the bench in Wednesday's 120-113 overtime win over the Jazz.
Queen didn't deliver his most efficient shooting performance but wasn't shy about hunting his shot en route to a season-high-tying scoring total. The second-year center also led the Pelicans in rebounds and assists, dishing out a season-high six dimes. He's scored 20 points in back-to-back outings and will likely continue seeing increased burn in Yves Missi's (knee) stead.
Queen notched 20 points (7-13 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 5-6 FT), seven rebounds, five assists, one block and two steals across 24 minutes during Monday's 135-134 overtime victory over Memphis.
Queen continued to come off the bench, yet put together another intriguing performance. The fact that he has not been inserted into the starting lineup despite an injury to Yves Missi (knee) indicates that the coaching staff is not comfortable playing him more than about 25 minutes on any given night. While this does limit his overall upside, he is doing more than enough in a bench role to be considered a must-roster player.
Queen posted eight points (3-6 FG, 2-2 FT), eight rebounds, four assists and one steal in 23 minutes during Saturday's 121-99 win over Atlanta.
Queen finished Saturday's game as the Pelicans' second-leading bench scorer and finished second on the team in rebounds behind Karlo Matkovic (10). Although he's coming off the bench, Queen's averages early on in the 2026-27 season are similar to what he produced during his rookie campaign last year. The Maryland product is averaging 11.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.0 steals over 23.7 minutes per game this season.
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Pelicans' Derik Queen: Records double-double off bench
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Queen notched 11 points (3-6 FG, 0-0 3Pt, 5-7 FT), 12 rebounds, an assist and a block across 25 minutes in Wednesday's 104-91 loss to the Nuggets.
Queen delivered valuable rebounding production in a reserve role, reaching double digits in points for the fourth consecutive game while notching his second double-double of the campaign. Queen is averaging 12.5 points and 9.3 boards per game despite not starting in any of his four appearances this season, so he should remain a valuable fantasy contributor regardless of whether he starts or not. He's also been remarkably efficient, making 51.7 percent of his shots and 86.4 percent of his free throws.
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Pelicans' Derik Queen: Scores 12 points with full line
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Queen closed Friday's 120-119 loss to Utah with 12 points (4-9 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 3-4 FT), seven rebounds, two assists, two blocks and two steals over 29 minutes.
Yves Missi needed assistance to the locker room after suffering a left knee injury during Friday's loss, and he did not return, which allowed Queen to flirt with 30 minutes. If Missi needs to miss time, Queen would likely be one of the primary beneficiaries, so he's an attractive speculative add in fantasy leagues. While earning 27.8 minutes per game as a starter last season, Queen averaged 13.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.1 blocks per contest on 49.8 percent shooting from the field and 78.5 percent at the stripe.
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Pelicans' Derik Queen: Double-doubles in 18 minutes
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Queen contributed 10 points (2-4 FG, 6-6 FT), 10 rebounds, one assist and two steals over 18 minutes during Wednesday's 123-120 loss to Indiana.
Queen recorded a double-double, albeit just, delivering a solid line despite playing limited minutes off the bench. With Yves Missi having arguably the best game of his life as the starting center, it appears as though Queen is going to serve as the backup, at least for the foreseeable future. He remains a viable asset in standard leagues, with a view to increasing his value, if and when his role also increases.
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Pelicans' Derik Queen: Team option picked up
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The Pelicans exercised their third-year team option on Queen's contract Tuesday, Terry Kimble of SI.com reports.
The No. 13 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft is now officially under contract for the 2027-28 season. The big man averaged 11.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.9 combined steals-plus-blocks across 25.0 minutes per tilt in 81 regular-season appearances (48 starts) in his rookie season. Queen is expected to compete for minutes with Yves Missi and Karlo Matkovic in 2026-27.
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Pelicans' Derik Queen: Grabs 11 rebounds in preseason win
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Queen totaled six points (1-9 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 4-4 FT), 11 rebounds, two assists and two steals across 19 minutes in Wednesday's 101-97 preseason win over Dallas.
Queen struggled mightily from the field but was a force on the glass, hauling in a game-high 11 rebounds. The 21-year-old has grabbed at least eight rebounds in all three of his preseason appearances. With Zion Williamson and Yves Missi expected to occupy the starting frontcourt spots, health permitting, Queen will likely be relegated to the second unit. However, the Maryland product should still have a sizable role this year after averaging 11.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.0 steals across 81 regular-season games (48 starts) as a rookie in 2025-26.
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Pelicans' Derik Queen: Nears double-double against OKC
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Queen scored 10 points (3-6 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 3-7 FT) while adding nine rebounds, three steals and an assist in 17 minutes off the bench during Tuesday's preseason win over the Thunder.
The 21-year-old center showed flashes of his upside as a rookie in 2025-26 after being the 13th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, but Queen remains stuck on the second unit as long as Zion Williamson and Yves Missi remain healthy. More consistent minutes could still allow Queen to improve on the 11.7 points, 7.1 boards, 3.7 assists and 1.9 combined steals and blocks he averaged last season.
Queen impressed during his rookie campaign despite missing time early in the season due to a wrist injury, flashing the versatile offensive skills that made him a lottery pick.
Queen posted several standout performances, including the first 30-point triple-double by a rookie center in NBA history. Queen should compete for an even larger frontcourt role in 2026-27 as one of New Orleans' top young building blocks.
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