The Rise of Dereck Queen: How the Pelicans Found Their Future Amid Zion Williamson’s Decline

The New Orleans Pelicans are in the midst of a dramatic transformation. Once a franchise that pinned its hopes on Zion Williamson, the Pelicans are now seemingly ready to move on from the former No. 1 overall pick. As Zion’s health issues and availability continue to plague the team, a new star has emerged to take his place: 20-year-old rookie Dereck Queen. With historic performances and a skill set that has drawn comparisons to some of the greatest players in NBA history, Queen is quickly becoming the face of the Pelicans’ future.

The Zion Williamson Paradox

When the Pelicans selected Zion Williamson with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, the expectations were sky-high. Billed as the most hyped prospect since LeBron James, Zion was supposed to be the savior of the franchise. His combination of size, athleticism, and skill made him a generational talent, and the Pelicans built their entire roster around him. They even gave him a max contract extension, albeit with weight clauses to account for his injury history.

However, Zion’s tenure in New Orleans has been defined more by his absences than his on-court dominance. Over six NBA seasons, he has played in only 214 of a possible 492 games, a mere 43% availability rate. This season has been no different. Zion has appeared in just 10 of the Pelicans’ first 25 games, sidelined once again—this time with a grade two adductor strain.

The numbers tell a sobering story. With Zion in the lineup, the Pelicans have posted a 109-110 record, making them a .500 team even with their supposed franchise player. For a player earning nearly $40 million a year, these results are far from what the organization envisioned when they drafted him. As one league source put it, the situation is “beyond repair.” The Pelicans are reportedly willing to accept the first “decent” offer for Zion, signaling a franchise that has emotionally and organizationally moved on.

A Franchise in Turmoil

The Pelicans’ struggles this season have only magnified the tension surrounding Zion’s future. With a dismal 3-22 record—the worst in the NBA—the team has already fired head coach Willie Green and replaced him with interim coach James Borrego. They’ve lost seven straight games, and the Smoothie King Center has gone silent as fans grow increasingly disillusioned.

Zion’s trade value has plummeted. His massive contract, which runs through 2027-28 and includes weight clauses, makes him a risky investment for any potential suitors. While his talent is undeniable—he’s averaging 22.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4 assists on 51% shooting this season—the “when healthy” asterisk looms large. Teams are hesitant to offer significant assets for a player who has proven to be unreliable.

Even the Pelicans’ own broadcast team has seemingly turned on Zion. During a recent game, play-by-play announcer Joel Meyers made thinly veiled comments about Zion’s issues, further highlighting the fractured relationship between the player and the organization. For a franchise to move on from a player as talented as Zion, the situation must be dire.

The Emergence of Dereck Queen

While the Zion saga has dominated headlines, the Pelicans may have quietly found their next franchise cornerstone in Dereck Queen. Selected with the 13th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Queen was a controversial choice. The Pelicans traded their 2026 unprotected first-round pick and the 23rd overall pick in 2025 to move up and select the 6’9” rookie center out of Maryland. At the time, the move was widely criticized, with many questioning why the Pelicans would sacrifice so much for an unproven prospect.

But Queen is quickly proving his doubters wrong. On December 8, with Zion sidelined yet again, Queen delivered a historic performance against the San Antonio Spurs: 33 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, and 4 blocks. It was his first career triple-double, achieved in just his 25th NBA game, and it placed him in elite company. Queen became the youngest center in NBA history to record a triple-double and joined Michael Jordan, Oscar Robertson, and Elgin Baylor as the only rookies to post a triple-double with double-digit field goals and free throws.

Queen’s performance wasn’t just about the numbers—it was the way he took over the game that stood out. With the Pelicans down 20 points at halftime, Queen scored 21 points in the third quarter alone, going a perfect 6-for-6 from the field and 9-for-9 from the free-throw line. His dominant third quarter fueled a 45-23 Pelicans run, turning a blowout into a competitive game. By the time the final buzzer sounded, Queen had led the Pelicans to a stunning comeback victory.

A Star in the Making

Queen’s skill set is what makes him truly special. Centers are typically known for their rebounding, shot-blocking, and post scoring, but Queen is redefining the position. His passing ability rivals that of elite playmakers like Nikola Jokić and Alperen Şengün. He has the vision and basketball IQ to orchestrate an offense, finding open teammates with precision passes. His ball-handling skills are equally impressive—during the Spurs game, he even broke an opposing defender’s ankles on a fast break before finishing with a smooth finger roll.

Defensively, Queen has shown flashes of brilliance as well. His combination of size, athleticism, and instincts allows him to protect the rim, disrupt passing lanes, and dominate the glass. He’s averaging over a block and a steal per game, further showcasing his versatility on both ends of the floor.

Since being inserted into the starting lineup on November 16, Queen has been nothing short of spectacular. In 14 starts, he’s averaging 15.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1 block per game. These are not just good rookie numbers—they’re the kind of stats that suggest Queen could be on an All-Star trajectory.

The Future of the Pelicans

With Zion Williamson’s future in New Orleans all but over, the Pelicans appear to be pivoting toward a new era centered around their young talent. Reports indicate that the team is looking to build around Queen and rookie guard Jeremiah Fears, who is averaging over 15 points per game. Trey Murphy III is also expected to play a key role in the team’s rebuild.

The Pelicans’ decision to trade up for Queen, while heavily criticized at the time, now looks like a bold move that could pay off in a big way. While the unprotected 2026 first-round pick they sent to Atlanta could become a top-three selection, the Pelicans may have already found their franchise cornerstone in Queen. His combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ is rare, and his early performances suggest he has the potential to be a transformative player.

Zion’s Legacy in New Orleans

As the Pelicans move forward, Zion Williamson’s time with the team will likely be remembered as a case of unfulfilled potential. Despite his incredible talent, Zion’s inability to stay healthy has made it impossible for the Pelicans to build a winning team around him. In six seasons, he has played in just 43% of the team’s games, and the Pelicans have little to show for their investment.

Zion’s trade value is at an all-time low, and the Pelicans may have to attach additional assets just to move his contract. Potential landing spots include the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Clippers, but any return is unlikely to match the hype that surrounded Zion when he entered the league.

The Torch Has Been Passed

While Zion’s departure will mark the end of an era, the emergence of Dereck Queen offers hope for the future. In just 25 games, Queen has shown that he has the talent, poise, and work ethic to become the face of the franchise. His historic performances have already drawn comparisons to Hall of Famers, and he’s only just getting started.

The Pelicans’ rebuild won’t happen overnight, but with Queen leading the way, the team has a foundation to build upon. In a league where finding a true franchise player is rare, the Pelicans may have struck gold with the 13th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. As Zion’s time in New Orleans comes to an end, a new chapter is beginning—and it’s one that could finally bring sustained success to the Pelicans.