Derik Queen Aims to Prove Pelicans Exec a ‘Genius’ After Controversial Draft Trade

Joe Dumars, stepping into his role as the New Orleans Pelicans’ executive vice president of basketball operations, quickly made a significant impact during his inaugural draft.

After drafting Jeremiah Fears at seventh overall, the Pelicans made a bold leap up the draft board to the 13th spot to select Derik Queen, a standout from Maryland. This move involved trading their 23rd pick and an unprotected 2026 first-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks. This gamble was seen as particularly daring, given the Pelicans’ uncertain future in the competitive Western Conference and the high caliber of talent expected in the upcoming draft.

This trade decision was heavily criticized by many basketball pundits, including FS1’s Nick Wright and Bill Simmons from The Ringer, who labeled it among the worst of recent years.

Despite the harsh criticism, Queen is using this feedback as motivation during his first year in the NBA.

“In my opinion, no one in the 2026 class will surpass me,” Queen stated in a press conference on Saturday. “I ignore the negativity. Joe has shown a lot of confidence in me. Most of the players in the 2026 draft were competitors I’ve outplayed in high school. The NBA is definitely a step up, so I need to keep improving, stay humble, and not let the highs or lows affect me,” he added.

“Next year, when they enter the league, I’ll demonstrate their level and make Joe look like a genius,” Queen confidently remarked.

As a freshman at Maryland, Queen, a 6’10” center, averaged 16.5 points and 9.0 rebounds. He now joins a Pelicans squad led by Zion Williamson, aiming for its first playoff series victory since 2018.

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