The New Orleans Pelicans weren’t done making noise after selecting Oklahoma guard Jeremiah Fears with the No. 7 pick Thursday night.
Less than an hour later, they struck a deal with the Atlanta Hawks to trade up for Maryland big man Derik Queen at No. 13 overall. In exchange, they sent the No. 23 overall pick and a 2026 first-round selection, opting for the most favorable pick between theirs and the Milwaukee Bucks'.
The move addresses one of New Orleans’ biggest needs: frontcourt depth.
Outside of Zion Williamson and rookie center Yves Missi, the Pelicans are thin up front. At 6-foot-10, Queen projects as a long-term option at power forward alongside Missi, with Williamson likely sliding to small forward given his 6-foot-6 frame.
Queen is viewed as more of a developmental piece, but his size and offensive skill set make him an intriguing prospect. The former five-star recruit averaged 16.9 points and nine rebounds this past season for Maryland, shooting 52.6% from the field and playing a key role in the Terrapins’ run to the Sweet Sixteen.
His signature moment came in the NCAA Tournament when he knocked down the game-winning shot to eliminate Colorado State.
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A highly touted recruit out of Montverde Academy in Baltimore, Maryland, Queen was a five-star prospect ranked No. 12 nationally, No. 3 at his position, and within Maryland by 247Sports.
Queen arrived at Maryland as one of the nation’s top recruits. A product of powerhouse Montverde Academy in Baltimore, he was ranked No. 12 nationally and the No. 3 player at his position by 247Sports.
The Pelicans know Queen will need time to develop, but his selection is another sign that a full rebuild in New Orleans could be on the horizon. With Fears, Missi, Trey Murphy III, Herbert Jones, Williamson, and now Queen, the Pelicans are quietly assembling one of the league’s most intriguing young cores.
The Western Conference isn’t getting any easier, but New Orleans is betting on youth, length, and long-term upside as they look to retool the roster under head coach Willie Green.