Experts have said the New Orleans Pelicans made a mistake trading away an unprotected draft pick next year to move up and get Derik Queen. Kendrick Perkins is going against the consensus feeling of what the Pelicans did.
Perkins appeared on a July 30 episode of the Road Trippin podcast. He said it was a great move and that Queen might be the most skilled player in the NBA Draft. He goes on to say that Queen could be the Zion Williamson replacement if the Pelicans move on from him.
“People have been hating on the New Orleans Pelicans since the NBA draft. Wondering why they traded away a pick. You know why they traded away a pick? Because they got Derik Queen. And if anybody has any type of basketball IQ and followed this young man, Derik Queen is going to be special. I’m telling you that straight up. I would have f—-ing moved up to get Derik Queen. He is a baby Jokic/Baby Sengun. The man has the complete package. He is going to be special,” Perkins said at the 0:31 mark.
“If things don’t pan out with Zion Williamson and after this season, if the Pelicans decide to part ways or trade Zion, I’m telling you right now, Derik Queen when he comes back from the wrist injury, he is going to be a problem. He’s arguably the most skilled player in this draft with an upside a ceiling. He don’t have no ceiling.”
What Lies Ahead For Derik Queen, Pelicans
GettyDerik Queen #22 of the New Orleans Pelicans poses for a portrait during the 2025 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at UNLV on July 16, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
It’s clear that Derik Queen has Kendrick Perkins’ full support to succeed with the Pelicans this upcoming season.
Queen is recovering from a surgery he underwent to repair his left wrist. While he won’t be available until October, New Orleans will remain optimistic as they have a high-level talent on their hands at the center position.
Queen had a great freshman campaign with the Maryland Terrapins before he entered the NBA. H averaged 16.5 points, nine rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game after 36 appearances. He shot 52.6% from the field, including 20% from beyond the arc, and 76.6% from the free-throw line.
The young star received acclaim for his efforts throughout the 2024-25 season. He won Big Ten Freshman of the Year and landed on the All-Big Ten first team. His game-winner against Colorado State in the second round of the NCAA Tournament garnered plenty of attention, cementing his place as a first-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
New Orleans retooled their roster this offseason as they now boast young talents that surround Zion Williamson, Dejounte Murray, Jordan Poole, Herb Jones, and Trey Murphy III.
The Pelicans last made the playoffs in 2024, suffering a first-round sweep to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Due to injuries and inconsistent play, they have been unable to take that next step into becoming a stronger contender in the Western Conference. Despite this, inserting new blood into the squad might help ignite the team’s aspirations of becoming a force for opponents to be more careful against.
Kendrick Perkins Explains Why Pelicans Made Right Decision With Derik Queen