Entering the 2025-26 season, expectations are high for the New Orleans Pelicans. The thought of Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy, and Herb Jones all being healthy, paired with the additions of Jordan Poole, Kevon Looney, Saddiq Bey, and three intriguing rookies, things are looking great.
However, despite the upcoming season generating a lot of excitement, one stipulation could absolutely kill the hype train.
I hate to be the one to remind you, but during the 2025 NBA draft, Joe Dumars decided to trade away an unprotected 2026 first-round pick swap with the Milwaukee Bucks. This pick was given up in a package to acquire the draft rights for Derik Queen from the Atlanta Hawks.
At the time of this trade, fans were losing their minds as Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future with the Bucks was in question. But now that it appears he’ll start this upcoming season in Milwaukee, that worry has shrunk.
However, both the Bucks and the Pelicans could very likely not make the playoffs next season, meaning this first-round pick could still end up turning into an extremely valuable lottery pick.
Thankfully for Pelicans fans, DraftKings’ sportsbook has provided some light with their current win [projections for the Milwaukee Bucks](https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/leagues/basketball/nba?msockid=1f49d68d4f606b04017fc2664e4a6a6c&category=wins-playoffs&subcategory=team-wins). They have the Bucks line set at 43.5 wins for the 2025-26 regular season.
With Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton both being out for all of next season, the East is much weaker and open than ever. Meaning 44 wins should guarantee a playoff birth for the Bucks and will worsen the draft position of that 2026 first-round pick.
This projection benefits not only fans but also Queen
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Following the draft night trade, fans were left to trust Joe Dumars' process and hope Queen reaches an unreal ceiling that justifies giving up two first-round picks. However, now with DraftKings projections, fans can feel better about what New Orleans gave up to get the Maryland big man.
This projection also lessens the pressure on Queen entering his rookie season, as it was initially viewed as New Orleans giving up a top 5 pick and pick No. 23 for a questionable prospect. This put immense pressure on him to come in and have a significant impact from day one, despite Queen being a more long-term project than an NBA-ready talent.
But now, with the value of this first-round pick decreasing, and sportsbooks like DraftKings having the Bucks as a playoff team, the pressure surrounding Queen has diminished. With expectations now lower, there will be much less pressure for DQ to be a star from the jump for the Pelicans.