Center Derik Queen, a former five-star recruit, has been turning heads in his freshman season at Maryland. The 6’10 center has been particularly dominant in this year’s NCAA Tournament, which has led many to project him as a first-round pick, and some platforms even have him as a lottery pick.
With Duke’s Cooper Flagg essentially locked in as the top overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, where will Maryland’s Derrick Queen land in the 2025 NBA draft?
Potential NBA Draft Landing Spots for Derik Queen
Maryland freshman center Derik Queen is widely projected to be a first-round pick, and some platforms even have him as a lottery pick.
In his first year of college ball, he averaged 16.2 points on 52.9% shooting. He also tallied 9.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and a block and steal per game.
In addition to the 2024 McDonald’s All-American Game MVP he won prior to college, he received several honors this season, including First-Team All-Big Ten, Big Ten Freshman of the Year, and the Big Ten All-Freshman Team (2025).
Several NBA teams need a center, so Queen will have many admirers in this year’s draft.
San Antonio Spurs
Pairing Queen with Victor Wembayama would make for an exciting frontcourt. He would take some load off the young Frenchman with his playmaking abilities, while Wembayama could cover up for Queen’s defensive limitations with his rim protection.
Queen still has some work to do on his shooting, although there are evident signs of growth and improvement. He already seems to be an ideal fit for Wembayama and De’Aaron Fox.
Philadelphia 76ers
This 76ers team could really use a center—especially a young one with lots of prospects. Queen has shown why he’s highly rated as big in this year’s NCAA tournament.
With uncertainties surrounding Joel Embild’s health and fitness, Queen could fill for him or even share the court with him if and when necessary.
Brooklyn Nets
The Nets are trying to rebuild the team, and the opportunity to draft a center with very polished offensive skills is exciting. If the Nets manage to pick Queen, the task of rebuilding the team becomes easier, as they just need a few other chips to fall in place.
Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks need to surround star point guard Trae Young with elite talent as he enters his prime years. Queen’s high basketball IQ and offensive skills make him one of the most exciting bigs in this draft class.
MORE NBA DRAFT PROJECTIONS: ALABAMA F GRANT NELSON | DUKE C KHAMAN MALUACH
He has the potential to be a modern playmaking center who can score, rebound, and run the offense. Add him to stars like Young, Dyson Daniels, and Zachharie Risacher, and the Hawks will become a force to reckon with.
Washington Wizards
With the Wizards having one of the worst records in the NBA this season, it is clear that the roster needs fresh input of talent, either young or experienced. Queen is one of the most talented players in his position in the 2025 NBA draft class, so they could build on a player of his caliber.
Don’t miss a moment of March Madness! Download your 2025 NCAA Tournament printable bracket and stay on top of every game, matchup, and Cinderella story. Get yours now!
