Derik Queen and the New Orleans Pelicans are probably the perfect match. The way he plays the game reflects what kind of place the The Crescent City is.
Derik Queen highlights (first 8 games) pic.twitter.com/szZikvT7RG
— Brett Usher (@UsherNBA) November 7, 2025
Credit: Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images
The 2025 13th overall pick is emerging as one of the most interesting rookie this year as he started getting significant minutes under Willie Green. He proved he deserves playing time in their first win over the Hornets and has been consistent since then.
They lost in their latest game which was against the San Antonio Spurs but Queen made a good account of himself, scoring 13 points and posting 5 rebounds, 8 assists, and two blocks in 25 minutes off the bench.
Queen matched up with The Alien Victor Wembanyama and though he is the rookie in this line up, he played like a veteran with his composure. At one point, he managed to shake the lanky Spurs off with his dribbling skills.
Derik Queen showing off the handle pic.twitter.com/TYNpQ7pvgu
— Pelicans Film Room (@PelsFilmRoom) November 9, 2025
Wemby just dared Derik Queen to pull a 3 and Queen just nailed it.
I love this kid
— Justin (@ProPelsTalk) November 9, 2025
He also got double-teamed but got out of them with his high I.Q. plays.
Derik Queen navigates the double team to find a cutting Herb for a layup pic.twitter.com/QpzfKWx4KR
— Pelicans Film Room (@PelsFilmRoom) November 9, 2025
Derik Queen got noticed by Tim Duncan
Queen plays with the composure of a veteran, something that only a few players can do. For that, he earned the nickname “Big Easy” which is also the nickname for the Louisiana City for its relaxed atmosphere.
Look at Derik Queen’s patience against the double. Back dribbles to buy himself time and space before re-engaging Sochan in the double.
He literally extended the window of time for his teammates to fit https://t.co/voqCUDW3gW pic.twitter.com/rFOpz6PKGX
— Sheldon Wohlman | Utility Sports (@_utilitysports) November 9, 2025
Some people find this very fitting.
The Big Easy is by far the most elite nickname that I’ve seen somebody give him https://t.co/knylyrQkaE
— GETLIKECOOP (@cooptoth3hoop) November 7, 2025
Queen is an emerging young star and he got everyone on notice. Even the great Spurs Tim Duncan.
His former teammate Antonio Daniels, now part of the Pelicans broadcast team said the Big Fundamental texted him to express his admiration of the 6’10 center.
Big Fundamental stamp means a lot https://t.co/2ISS8VJ53S
— dyson daniels floater (@killmesIime) November 9, 2025
Pelicana are currently 2-7 and are navigating the last few games without their star Zion Williamson. Next for them are the Phoenix Suns.
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