Derik Queen is a highly promising prospect. His offensive skills are exceptional, and if one believes he can hold his own defensively in the NBA, there’s a case to be made for his star potential. The center from Maryland has been likened to players such as Alperen Sengun, Boris Diaw, Naz Reid, and Julius Randle. He excelled at scoring around the rim despite not being an above-the-rim player. It makes sense that the New Orleans Pelicans moved up during Wednesday’s NBA Draft to acquire him.
However, the cost of this trade was remarkable. New Orleans’ new front office, headed by Joe Dumars and Troy Weaver, traded an unprotected first-round pick in 2026 to the Atlanta Hawks in order to move up from the No. 23 pick to select Queen at No. 13.
The Pelicans, having finished the 2024-25 season with a record of 21-61, are clearly banking on a more successful and healthier 2025-26 season. However, even if they avoid a bad season, this trade could still backfire. They had rights to swap picks from their previous trade involving Jrue Holiday, sent to the Milwaukee Bucks in 2020. If Milwaukee’s pick turns out to be better than New Orleans’ next year, Atlanta will receive it.
This means that the Hawks could potentially snag a top pick if Zion Williamson fails to play consistently next season. Additionally, they might land an incredible pick if Giannis Antetokounmpo is injured or traded.
Before the draft, ESPN’s Jonathon Givony reported on speculation surrounding the Pelicans’ interest in Queen. Notably, Weaver, a native of D.C. who previously worked for the Washington Wizards, attended many Maryland games, and his son, Thomas, served as a graduate assistant on the Terrapins’ coaching staff.
Queen possesses undeniable potential, yet drafting him carries substantial risk. At the collegiate level, he didn’t excel in catch-and-shoot situations, lacked a lob threat, and wasn’t an effective rim protector. For the Pelicans, this decision reflects a willingness to accept significant downsides, adding further complications unrelated to Queen’s ability to adapt to the professional game.
The Hawks selected Asa Newell at No. 23, which raises questions about his future role in the NBA. However, their front office, led by Onsi Saleh and Bryson Graham (former New Orleans GM), has executed a noteworthy strategy. Atlanta can either wait to see how the Pelicans and Bucks perform next season or utilize their newfound pick to enhance their roster in the summer.
