New Orleans Pelicans rookie Derik Queen has been making waves on the court lately, drawing attention not only from fans but also from the Atlanta Falcons after their recent NFL matchup. Following a decisive 24-10 victory against the New Orleans Saints, the Falcons took to social media with a playful jab at Queen, stating, “Marked safe from Derik Queen,” paired with a video of player Ruke Orhorhoro celebrating.
Queen, who excelled in his recent game against the Atlanta Hawks by scoring 20 points and grabbing nine rebounds, took the playful banter in stride. He responded with a cheeky tweet, marking January 7th, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. Central Time as a date to watch, referring to their future matchup against Atlanta. His tweet suggests he is eager to prove himself and take revenge for the lighthearted shoutout from the Falcons.
The 20-year-old center has found his rhythm after a slow start to the season, averaging 14.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.5 assists throughout November. In his last three games, he has elevated his performance even further, posting impressive averages of 23.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 6.0 assists. His evolving skill set has not gone unnoticed, with accolades coming from stars like Nikola Jokic and NBA great Tim Duncan.
Despite Queen’s individual success, the Pelicans have faced challenges this season, managing only two wins in their first 15 games. However, the growing excitement surrounding Queen’s potential and his interactions with fans suggest a hopeful future for both him and the team. Fans remain optimistic, with many expressing their support on social media, affirming Queen as a beacon of hope for the franchise. His determination signifies a promising trajectory as he seeks to elevate the Pelicans’ performance in the coming weeks.