Derik Queen Is the Weirdest Player in the NBA: Unusual Habits, Bizarre On-Court Moves, and the Eccentric Personality Shaking Up Basketball’s Biggest Stage
The New Orleans Pelicans are about to hand the Atlanta Hawks a top five pick in this year’s NBA Draft—a consequence of their bold trade to select Derek Queen, a rookie center whose game is quickly capturing the league’s imagination. For Pelicans fans, the looming loss of a premium draft asset is a bitter pill. For Hawks fans, it’s an unexpected windfall. But for NBA observers, the real story is the emergence of Queen, a player whose skillset is redefining what it means to be a modern center.
In hindsight, some might say the Pelicans should have protected that pick. But as Derek Queen continues to dazzle, the question shifts: was the risk worth it?
Derek Queen: A Rookie Like No Other
Watching Derek Queen play, it’s easy to forget he’s just a rookie. Centers his size—6’9”—aren’t supposed to move like this. They aren’t supposed to throw one-handed lobs without looking, spin out of pressure and find corner shooters, or go behind the back in transition before finishing through contact. Yet Queen does all this, and much more.
In a single game against the Dallas Mavericks, Queen made at least five plays that most centers couldn’t dream of making. His passing, ball handling, and feel for the game are already elite. And when the Pelicans faced the Denver Nuggets, Queen went toe-to-toe with Nikola Jokic—the reigning best player in the world—putting up 30 points, nine rebounds, and four “stocks” (steals plus blocks). Jokic, initially nonchalant, quickly realized Queen was a mismatch even for him.
Skill Over Athleticism: The NBA’s New Paradigm
Queen’s game is unorthodox. He’s not the most athletic-looking player, nor does he possess the physical dominance of traditional centers. But as the NBA evolves, skill is becoming king. Jaylen Brunson, Luka Dončić, Jokic, Steph Curry—all are players who thrive on skill more than raw athleticism. Queen belongs in this conversation, even if it’s too early to compare him directly.
What sets Queen apart is his ability to make shots from impossible angles, to pass with precision, and to see the floor like a lead ball handler. He’s comfortable bringing the ball up, spinning through defenders, and delivering dimes that few big men can. His touch around the rim is special, and his passing vision is reminiscent of Jokic himself.
The Jokic Comparison: Fair or Premature?
It’s tempting to compare Queen to Jokic—the two share a knack for making shots from strange angles and for manipulating defenses with their passing. Jokic himself cautioned against comparing young players to his own game, calling it “not fair.” But the similarities are striking. Both players are “unorthodox,” as Jokic described Queen, and both possess great touch and feel for the game.
Tim Duncan, an all-time great at the position, texted a reporter after watching Queen: “Man, I really like that Queen guy.” When legends take notice, it’s worth paying attention.
Offensive Brilliance—and Defensive Questions
Offensively, Queen looks like a future star. He’s already had games with 20 points and 10 assists—an almost unheard-of feat for rookie centers. His ability to throw entry passes, make quarterback-like throws to covered receivers, and execute behind-the-back passes in traffic is dazzling.
But Queen isn’t perfect. At 6’9”, he’s a bit shorter than most centers, and he’s not a freak athlete. That means he’ll have to rely on skill and touch, taking tougher shots in the paint and figuring out how to maintain efficiency. As he adapts to NBA physicality, his screening and finishing will improve—but the offensive upside is undeniable.
Defensively, the questions are more pressing. Is Queen too short to guard centers? Is he too slow to play power forward? The answers depend on coaching, scheme, and who plays alongside him. The example of Alperen Şengün in Houston is instructive: once considered a defensive liability, Şengün has become a solid contributor on one of the league’s best defenses. With the right support, Queen could follow a similar path.
The Pelicans’ Gamble: Was It Worth It?
The price for Derek Queen was steep. The Pelicans traded away a top five pick in a loaded draft—a move that will haunt them if Queen doesn’t become a star. But as Queen continues to develop, the calculus changes. If he’s truly a generational talent, the lost pick may be a footnote in a decade of winning basketball.
For Atlanta, the pick is a gift—one that could accelerate their rebuild and reshape their roster. For New Orleans, it’s a test of vision and patience. The Pelicans bet big on Queen, and early returns suggest they may have found something special.
The Center Revolution: Skill, Size, and Touch
Queen’s emergence is part of a larger revolution in the NBA. The era of the lumbering, paint-bound center is over. Today’s big men must handle the ball, shoot, pass, and defend multiple positions. Queen fits this mold perfectly. He’s not a rim protector in the classic sense, but his skill and versatility make him a matchup nightmare.
The league is full of centers who can jump 40 inches, but Queen’s advantage is his mind and his hands. He understands angles, timing, and high-percentage shots. He can get the ball to teammates in the post, run the offense, and create for others. These are the qualities that win games in the modern NBA.
The Pelicans’ Future: Building Around Queen
With Zion Williamson’s era ending and the team in transition, Queen offers hope for the Pelicans. His presence changes the way New Orleans can play. Instead of forcing the offense through Zion, the team can let Queen facilitate, empower young guards like Jeremiah Fears and Trey Murphy, and develop a more balanced attack.
Queen’s rise also means the Pelicans must be smart about roster construction. They need defenders who can cover for his weaknesses, shooters who can space the floor, and coaches who can maximize his unique talents. The blueprint is there—the challenge is execution.
Atlanta’s Opportunity: The Value of the Pick
While the Pelicans focus on Queen, the Hawks are preparing to cash in. A top five pick in this year’s draft could yield a franchise-altering talent, especially with prospects like AJ Deansler and Darren Peterson on the board. For Atlanta, the trade is already a win. For New Orleans, the hope is that Queen’s development will make the pick a distant memory.
Lessons for the NBA: Risk, Reward, and the Draft
The Pelicans’ gamble is a lesson for teams across the league. Sometimes, the right player is worth the risk—even if the price is high. But protection matters. Had New Orleans put a top five protection on the pick, they could celebrate Queen’s rise without the draft looming over them.
For fans and executives, the story is a reminder that NBA success requires courage, vision, and sometimes a little luck.
Closing Thoughts: Derek Queen’s Next Decade
Derek Queen is not perfect, but he is special. His skill, vision, and creativity are rare at any position—let alone center. As he continues to grow, he could become the cornerstone of a new era in New Orleans, inspiring a generation of big men to embrace skill over brute force.
For the Pelicans, the challenge is to build around Queen, maximize his strengths, and cover his weaknesses. For the Hawks, the reward is a top five pick that could change their future. For the NBA, Queen’s rise is a glimpse into the league’s next evolution.
Whatever happens, one thing is clear: Derek Queen is going to be a joy to watch for years to come.
What do you think about the Pelicans’ gamble on Derek Queen? Will he become a franchise centerpiece, or will Atlanta’s top five pick prove to be the real prize? Share your thoughts in the comments, subscribe to our newsletter for more coverage, and join the conversation as we continue to explore the most compelling stories in sports.
