Pelicans' Queen to make Dumars 'look like a genius' for trading 2026 pick
New Orleans Pelicans rookie Derik Queen is eager to prove Joe Dumars right for trading 10 spots up to select him in this year's NBA draft.
Dumars, the Pelicans' executive vice president of basketball operations, was harshly criticized for trading the 23rd overall pick in this year's draft and an unprotected 2026 first-rounder to the Atlanta Hawks for the 13th selection, which he used on Queen.
"I don't think nobody in that class is ever going to be better than me," Queen told reporters Saturday at his introductory press conference. "I block all of the noise out. (Dumars) got a lot of faith in me. Most of those guys I beat on in high school, so it don't really matter.
"I know that the NBA is a whole different level, so I just got to continue to get better. Don't get too big-headed. Don't get too low and just beat on them next year when they come in, and make Joe look like a genius."
Atlanta will receive the more favorable pick between the Pelicans and Milwaukee Bucks next year as part of the trade agreement. The 2026 draft class is shaping up to be a talented group with BYU wing A.J. Dybantsa and Duke forward Cameron Boozer among the top prospects.
Queen led Maryland to its first Sweet 16 appearance in nine years during his lone collegiate campaign. He averaged 16.5 points, nine boards, 1.9 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.1 blocks across 36 games for the Terrapins.
Queen's play earned him All-Big Ten first-team honors and the Big Ten Freshman of the Year award. He was the top-ranked center in his recruiting class and the eighth-ranked prospect overall on the ESPN 100 for 2024.
Queen was the co-MVP of the 2024 McDonald's All-American Game.