Derik Queen overcame a slow start and produced a series of impressive one-on-one highlights in his NBA Summer League debut, scoring 13 points, grabbing 10 rebounds and dishing three assists in the New Orleans Pelicans' loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. But the brand-new rookie from Maryland wasn't as impressed with his performance as others.
"I've got to redeem myself. I know I've got 82 games [in the regular season]. Twitter and Instagram are probably going crazy right now. I have to redeem myself for me and all the outside noise," said Queen, who went scoreless in the first half and committed seven turnovers in the game.
"I feel like I have this game under my belt and I feel like I'm going to be great next game," Queen said. "… It was kinda sloppy in the first half. But a double-double is a double-double. I think I flipped the switch in the second half. I feel like I got the hang of it now."
Flip the switch he did. There was a slick behind-the-back pass to former Maryland nemesis Hunter Dickinson. And a sweet one-dribble jumper. He made his only three-point attempt, one of the most questioned aspects of the No. 13 draft pick's game. And several dribble moves that few players of his size and age can pull off, a reminder why the Big Ten Freshman of the Year is viewed as a unique frontcourt prospect.
Derik Queen SL Debut vs the T’Wolves
13 PTS (5-9 FG, 1-1 3PT)
10 REBS
3 AST
How we feeling so far?? pic.twitter.com/NwjPG4lNBY
— Frankie Vision (@Frankie_Vision) July 10, 2025
"He's got to be better. We know he's going to be better. He's very talented. You can see flashes of how good he's going to be... Next game, trust me he's going to be better," Pelicans Summer League coach Corey Brewer said.
Updates on the other four Terps playing in the Summer Leagues (schedule and TV details).
Julian Reese didn't play in the Lakers' loss to the Mavericks and No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg. He's averaging two points and two rebounds in 10.2 minutes per game on 50 percent shooting.
Selton Miguel hasn't logged any minutes yet for the Jazz.
Donta Scott scored four points and grabbed two rebounds in each of the Warriors' two games.
Jahmir Young and the Bulls open Summer League play tonight at 7 p.m. against the Raptors on NBATV.
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