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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.
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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.
“Definitely. 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… Just beat on them next year and make Joe look like a genius”
— Derik Queen on being motivated by the noise around the trade pic.twitter.com/aWiIkZ4eJK
— Pelicans Film Room (@PelsFilmRoom) June 28, 2025
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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Mike Johnson is a passionate news writer with a keen interest in current events. With over a decade of experience in journalism, he has a talent for uncovering the stories that matter most. Mike’s insightful articles and in-depth analyses have made him a trusted voice in the industry. He thrives on staying ahead of the news curve, providing readers with timely and relevant information. Whether it’s breaking news, politics, or social issues, Mike’s dedication to the craft ensures that his readers are always well-informed.