NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Pelicans have become the league’s punchline a month into the season. They can change that narrative by starting Derik Queen. Their early-season disaster has been compounded by the regret of trading an unprotected first-round pick next summer just to move up in June’s draft. That decision, once merely mocked, has now become a cautionary tale across NBA front offices. With a 2-7 record, the Pelicans sit dead last in the West. If that holds, the Hawks could end up with a top-five pick in a historically loaded draft—one projected to feature at least three potential number-one prospects.
Time For Pelicans To Reverse Their Derik Queen Decision
The situation has turned dire for President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars and the Pelicans front office. What was supposed to be a bold, upward swing has instead become a nosedive toward embarrassment. But there’s still a way to salvage the season and restore some dignity: start Queen.
Queen’s Early Promise Deserves More Trust
Queen is the Pelicans’ most exciting young talent since Zion Williamson arrived in 2019. Unlike Zion, who debuted in January of his rookie season, Queen stepped on the court opening night in Memphis. His debut—three points, five rebounds, and a block—didn’t turn heads. But his poise and control hinted at far greater potential.
When given more minutes, Queen has responded impressively. He’s averaging 8.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.8 stocks. He’s yet to start, but his on-court influence is undeniable. In the Pelicans’ first win of the season, against Charlotte, Queen delivered 12 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, and four steals on 5-of-7 shooting. His +13 plus-minus ranked second only to Jose Alvarado’s +21. Every advanced metric supports what the eye test already suggests—Queen changes games.
Numbers That Demand Action
Queen’s net efficiency rating of +19.4 ranks in the 91st percentile across the league. His play translates to roughly +8.2 points per 100 possessions and about +34 expected wins over a full season. He’s not just impacting the game; he’s redefining the Pelicans’ ceiling.
Defensively, Queen is even more impressive. His presence slashes opponent scoring by over 11 points per 100 possessions—a lockdown impact that puts him among elite interior anchors. With Queen on the floor, opposing teams’ effective field goal percentage drops by 6.1%. He forces hurried shots, creates chaos in the paint, and boosts turnovers by 4.2%, giving New Orleans valuable extra possessions.
Queen and Zion: A Promising Duo
Skeptics may question Queen’s fit alongside Williamson, but the data already answers that. In limited minutes, the Queen-Zion pairing boasts a +23.2 net rating in 38 minutes. The two complement each other well—Zion’s explosive athleticism and Queen’s instinctive playmaking form a natural synergy. Their chemistry could anchor the Pelicans’ long-term identity: physical, creative, and efficient basketball.
Time To Live With the Gamble
The Pelicans front office risked their future by surrendering an unprotected pick in what could become a legendary draft. But that risk can still pay off. Starting Derik Queen not only improves the Pelicans’ immediate performance but also reduces the value of the pick they owe Atlanta. More importantly, it accelerates Queen’s development into a foundational piece.
New Orleans can’t undo its reckless decision. But it can own it—by betting fully on the player it sacrificed so much to acquire. Starting Queen is no longer just about development. It’s about restoring credibility, salvaging the season, and proving that the gamble was worth it.
Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
The post Time For Pelicans To Reverse Their Derik Queen Decision appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.