The New Orleans Pelicans took a big gamble on Derik Queen, trading away their No. 23 pick, Asa Newell, and an unprotected 2026 first-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks, to the Atlanta Hawks. This had many people asking questions if the former Maryland center was right for the Pelicans.
Amid all the criticisms regarding the trade, Queen made a bold statement about himself during the Pelicans’ press conference, alongside fellow rookies Jeremiah Fears and Micah Peavy.
“I don’t think nobody in that class is ever going to be better than me… Most of those guys I beat on in High School,” claimed Derik Queen.
“I don’t think anyone in that class is ever going to be better than me… Most of those guys I beat on in High School.”
-Derik Queen
(🎥 @PelsFilmRoom )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 28, 2025
However, this got him even more criticism from fans, especially over Queen’s claims that he beat most of his class while he was in high school as part of that All-Star Montverde Academy team that went undefeated all the way to the national championship. That team was led by Cooper Flagg.
“Bros still living in high school 😭” one fan said.
“This is not high school anymore buddy guys develop & work hard.” added another X user.
“bro talking about high school. we forget emoni bates was the number 1 prospect in high school💀,” one person pointed out.
However, Derik Queen did have a few people defending him.
“He does have heart – that Maryland team went as he went and he took it on.” one defender noted.
“Pelicans got a steal. The trade will be worth it,” another one added.
Queen was part of that loaded Montverde team that was filled with five-star prospects. Four of them are now in the NBA, including Flagg, who was drafted No. 1 by the Dallas Mavericks.
Pelicans GM Joe Dumars Defends Derik Queen Trade
With all the criticisms aimed at the Derik Queen trade, Joe Dumars, who was the general manager responsible for the “Bad Boys 2.0” Pistons that won the 2004 NBA title, defended the decision to trade up for Queen during that same press conference.
“I’ve been doing this for way too long to give credence to naysayers,” he said. “I will say this, though: We’re going to trot our own path here. We’re not going to go by anyone else’s playbook. These are the guys that we really, really wanted as Pelicans and we’re super, super happy to have them here.”
Dumars is banking on Queen’s dominance as a freshman center, leading the Terrapins with 16.5 points, nine rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.1 blocks per game. Queen was regarded as one of the most sought-after big men in the draft class.
Related: “Fire Nico” Chants Erupt at Mavs Draft Watch Party Despite Drafting Cooper Flagg at No. 1
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