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Pelicans' Derik Queen: Nears double-double against OKC
Rotowire
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.
Queen went for 30 points (11-28 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 7-8 FT), 22 rebounds, four assists, one steal and a block in 41 minutes during Sunday's 132-126 loss to the Timberwolves.
Queen was dominant on the glass Sunday, collecting a career-high 22 rebounds. The impressive rookie was also able to amass 30 points by being especially aggressive in hunting his shot. This was evident in the fact that he took 28 shots from the floor, blowing past his previous high of 18 attempts. Queen averaged 24.0 points, 18.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 2.0 blocks and 1.7 steals in 39.0 minutes per contest over his last three appearances to close the season.
