Rookies Exchange Jerseys at American Airlines Center

Late Wednesday night, two rookies and former high school teammates faced each other on the court at American Airlines Center, exchanging jerseys. One of these players, Cooper Flagg, was recognized as a top talent, having been drafted first overall by the Dallas Mavericks. The other, Derik Queen of the New Orleans Pelicans, was the subject of considerable doubt, especially given the cost of acquiring him.

Queen Proves His Worth

Queen departed Dallas with Flagg’s jersey and a hard-earned victory. This win marked Queen’s second consecutive triumph, key to the Pelicans’ success in their recent outings. His standout performances over a 24-hour period effectively silenced critics.

Criticism Transformed to Recognition

As Queen demonstrated his prowess, more people began to appreciate his talent—just as Joe Dumars had back in June. Dumars, the Pelicans’ executive vice president, made headlines when he traded the team’s 2026 first-round pick to advance in the draft and select Queen. This decision was met with significant skepticism, especially after the team began the season with six losses.

Historic Performance

However, Queen turned the tide with an incredible performance against the Charlotte Hornets, leading the team to their first win of the season. He recorded 12 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, and four steals, showcasing his adaptability and strength in critical moments—an achievement that hadn’t been seen in the NBA since 1996-97.

Queen’s Development and Potential

Over the past few games, Queen has shown versatility and skill, contributing significantly to wins against both the Mavericks and the San Antonio Spurs. While Hall of Famer Tim Duncan noted his impressive play, Queen’s potential continues to unfold as he gains confidence following his recovery from injury.

A Growing Reputation

Although Queen may not initially wow audiences with athleticism, his intelligence on the court has made him a valuable player. His performances have drawn favorable attention from fans and teammates alike, leading to a surge in popularity and social media buzz surrounding his nickname options.

From Doubt to Belief

Just months ago, many questioned the wisdom in Dumars’ trade, but the narrative has shifted. As Queen flourishes on the court, his self-belief and the confidence from the Pelicans’ management resonate with fans, affirming that taking a chance on talented players like him pays off. “That’s why Joe and Troy did what they did,” remarked Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado, highlighting the faith shown in Queen and its positive outcome.