After only one year at Maryland, Derik Queen had already built an impressive list of accomplishments. As a former five-star prospect, he exceeded expectations in his freshman year, earning first-team All-Big Ten honors and being named Big Ten Freshman of the Year. Following his selection as the No. 13 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, with his rights acquired by the New Orleans Pelicans, he can now include “first-round draft pick” to his achievements.
Unsurprisingly, Queen quickly updated his professional profile on LinkedIn to reflect his new role.
Queen announced his new role on the platform, stating:
“I`m happy to share that I`m starting a new position as a Professional Basketball Player at New Orleans Pelicans. Can`t wait to touch down in New Orleans and meet the fans!”
The New Orleans Pelicans obtained Queen through a trade during the draft night with the Atlanta Hawks. In exchange, the Hawks received the No. 23 pick, Asa Newell, and an unprotected first-round pick in 2026.
Standing 6-foot-10 and weighing 246 pounds, Queen started every game (36 total) and was close to averaging a double-double. His game-winning shot at the buzzer against Colorado State in the second round of the NCAA Tournament was a memorable moment.
For trading up to secure Queen, the Pelicans received an `A-` grade for their draft performance from CBS Sports analyst Adam Finkelstein.
Commenting on the Pelicans` decision to trade up for him as a lottery pick, Queen stated:
“It shows how much faith they have in me, how they believe in me, how well I can fit with their program, the system. I`m not going to prove them wrong, so I`m just glad that they have a lot of faith in me and trust in me.”
Jasper Hawthorne