Derik Queen got to play Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic during the first week of the new NBA season. It was total domination by the Nuggets and Queen barely impacted the game as it was a time when former New Orleans Pelicans coach Willie Green still did not see his value.
Fast forward to second week of November, the Pelicans got another shot at the three-time MVP who many critics think has the same playing style as him. Queen’s team did not get the win again but he has a personal victory as Jokic has huge praises for him.
This adds to praises he’s been getting, including one from NBA great Tim Duncan who said he likes the Pelicans player.
Here’s what Jokic had to sat about the comparisons. https://t.co/QwxMHW4y3h
— Rod Walker (@RodWalkerNola) November 20, 2025
“He’s good. He has some moves, he’s definitely pretty crafty,” Jokić said when asked about the 2025 13th overall pick.
“He’s unorthodox, great touch around the rim, great feel for the game. It’s good to see somebody different.”
Queen said he tried to get the attention of Jokic mid-game was ignored.
“I tried to say something to him but he didnt really say nothing”
— Derik Queen on talking to Jokic mid-game pic.twitter.com/3JJ1nBA9aF
— Pelicans Film Room (@PelsFilmRoom) November 20, 2025
The rookie even outscored the Nuggets star on his way to his career high of 30 points. He also had nine rebounds and four assists. This is only the second time that he played more than 30 minutes in a game.
As for Jokic, his team got the victory and he again notched a triple double after posting 28 points, 11 rebounds, and 12 assists.
Derik Queen should not be boxed as copy of Nikola Jokic
Queen is aware of the Jokic comparisons. He even admitted that he was trying to pattern his game to the Serbian’s.
Derik Queen: “When I got to college – because I knew I was going to get (to the NBA)- I watched him (Jokic) a little bit more.”
Jokic saw the similarities. However, he also emphasized the differences and that Queen should walk a different part since he is his own self.
“I think I’m a little bit taller, but I think there is that style, I guess you’d say, crafty,” he said. “I could see it, yeah.”
“You can see some similarities. I don’t want people to see him and tell me he’s something like me. I think he’s a good enough player that he’ll have his own story.”
Queen continues to enter the radar of several teams with his stellar plays. He climbed up in the NBA.com’s latest Rookie Ladder from eighth to seventh.
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