Former Maryland star Derik Queen played one college season before declaring for the 2025 NBA draft. As a freshman, he averaged 16.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.1 blocks and 1.1 steals per game. Many scouts believe he has what it takes to be one of the elite big men in the NBA.
However, Queen also continues to get mixed feedback on the workout circuit. There are concerns about his conditioning, shooting mechanics, and competitiveness, according to ESPN.
Earlier in the draft cycle, many draft experts believed that Queen was likely to be a top 10 pick. However, that has started to slip in recent weeks. Many draft experts believe the Suns could be the first team interested in Queen with the No. 10 pick.
However, another team higher in the draft has emerged as a possible contender to select the former Maryland star. On Wednesday, ESPN released its latest mock draft, making predictions for where each player will go. In the mock draft, they had Queen going 15th to the OKC Thunder.
However, analyst Jeremy Woo wrote about how the New Orleans Pelicans could be interested in selecting Queen.
“There are rumblings that Queen could be selected as high as No. 7, where he has a big fan in Pelicans general manager Troy Weaver, a fellow DMV (DC/Maryland/Virginia) native, a move that would send the draft in a completely different direction should it materialize,” Woo wrote.
[Woo] There are rumblings that Queen could be selected as high as No. 7, where he has a big fan in Pelicans general manager Troy Weaver, a fellow DMV native, a move that would send the draft in a completely different direction should it materialize.
byu/Odd-Direction9452 inNBA_Draft
The Pelicans Could Draft Derik Queen if Khaman Maluach Is Not Available
ESPN’s latest mock draft has the Pelicans selecting Duke star center Khaman Maluach. The Pelicans appear focused on selecting a big man to help Zion Williamson. With the seventh pick, there is a good chance Maluach will be available to the Pelicans. However, if a team ahead of them picks him, Derik Queen could become an appealing option for New Orleans.
While Derik Queen has his doubters, there is no question that he has an elite skill set. If the Pelicans are confident they can get the best out of him, there is no reason for them to avoid picking him. He has the potential to be an elite player for many years.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
