The New Orleans Pelicans made a bold move in the 2025 NBA Draft by trading significant assets to acquire Derik Queen, a decision that has come under scrutiny. However, Queen is quickly proving his worth on the court, making history on Friday night by becoming the fastest center in 50 years to reach 200 career assists, according to Real Sports. This achievement puts him ahead of notable players, including Nikola Jokic, who is recognized as the best passing big man in NBA history and currently holds the record for the most assists by a center.
Participating in only his 46th professional game, Queen entered the outing averaging 4.4 assists per game. While there were doubts about his playmaking capabilities prior to the draft, the Pelicans have leveraged his talents as an offensive initiator more than many had anticipated for a rookie. Despite facing some challenges typical of a one-and-done player from Maryland, Queen’s potential is evident, showcasing a skill set that the team can build around.
While New Orleans is optimistic about its future with Queen, there are concerns over the draft pick they sent to Atlanta, which is currently projected to be a top choice in the highly competitive 2026 NBA Draft. This puts added pressure on Queen to sustain his trajectory as a rising star in order to justify the trade.
The Pelicans’ decision to invest in Queen seems to be paying off as he continues to develop, making fans hopeful about what lies ahead for the team. The combination of Queen’s unexpected early success and the promise he shows could lead to a brighter future for New Orleans on the basketball court.