NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - In his introductory press conference as a newly drafted member of the New Orleans Pelicans, Derik Queen said that he wanted to make Joe Dumars, the franchise’s new lead executive, “look like a genius”.
New Orleans Pelicans center Derik Queen (22) poses for a portrait during their NBA basketball...
New Orleans Pelicans center Derik Queen (22) poses for a portrait during their NBA basketball media day in Metairie, La., Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)(Gerald Herbert | AP)
On Tuesday (Nov. 4), the Pelicans got their first win of the season, after a disappointing 0-6 start, at home against the Hornets 116-112.
The scenario felt all too familiar. The Pelicans allowed an 11-0 run to start the third quarter despite holding a slight lead at halftime, and their star player, Zion Williamson, wasn’t playing due to a hamstring injury that’s projected to keep him out for at least a week. Starting center Yves Missi also didn’t play due to injury.
One thing that was different in the Pels’ win over the Hornets was that some reserve players vying for time on the court made the most of their opportunities.
In 15 minutes of play, center Karlo Matkovic totaled 13 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and a block in an energy boost off the bench. Guard Jose Alvarado didn’t start in the win but played extended minutes, providing stability and hustle with 18 points, 6 assists, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals in 31 minutes.
When it mattered most, Alvarado hit the crucial go-ahead 3-pointer with 16 seconds left to play.
Most of Queen’s 18 minutes were in the fourth quarter. After some flash, coach Willie Green, who’s been under the hot seat, decided to ride out the final quarter with the rookie.
In the fourth quarter, Queen displayed the offensive profile that got national attention during Maryland’s NCAA Tournament run last spring. He totaled 12 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, and 4 steals on the defensive end.
Queen displayed a level of playmaking kill that’s been lacking in the Pelicans’ recent lopsided losses.
“DQ was amazing tonight,” Green said in the postgame. “We needed every ounce of what he gave us. Even when he made that mistake, all his teammates corralled around him... Huge huge minutes from DQ tonight.”
"DQ was amazing tonight. We needed every ounce of what he gave us. Even when he made that mistake, all his teammates corralled around him... Huge huge minutes from DQ tonight"
-- Willie Green on Derik Queen pic.twitter.com/TDJZRRLJR1
— Pelicans Film Room (@PelsFilmRoom) November 5, 2025
On Monday’s practice, Green said that a reason why Queen’s playing time has been limited to start the season was due to having difficulty distributing minutes with other centers on the roster. After an efficient night in the team’s first win, Queen may be making the case for himself to see the floor more.
While New Orleans did retain much of its core in the offseason, including Williamson and Green as cornerstones, the Pelicans made a move to fast-track their future on draft night.
In addition to selecting Jeremiah Fears out of Oklahoma at No. 7, the Dumars-led front office took the massive chance to trade their No. 23 pick and an unprotected first-rounder in 2026 to move up to No. 13 to take Queen out of Maryland. It’s a move that’s been widely criticized around the league, opting out of what’s projected to be a deep draft by a rebuilding team.
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Of course, those criticisms can be void if Queen can become the player the front office believes he can be.
“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.”
Alvarado, who made an on-court connection with Queen in the win, revisited those criticisms in the postgame.
“That’s why Joe and (GM Troy Weaver) did what they did,” Alvarado said about his rookie teammate. “They saw that and it’s working. Shout-out to them... He’s gonna be a great basketball player, but he’s becoming a great man.”
"That's why Joe and Troy did what they did. They saw that and it's working. Shout-out to them... He's gonna be a great basketball player but he's becoming a great man"
-- Jose Alvarado on Derik Queen's early impact pic.twitter.com/gdPR3fOVLM
— Pelicans Film Room (@PelsFilmRoom) November 5, 2025
New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado (15) celebrates after center Derik Queen, left, was...
New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado (15) celebrates after center Derik Queen, left, was fouled while making a basket in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Charlotte Hornets, Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)(Gerald Herbert | AP)
While a win doesn’t change everything overnight for the Pelicans, Queen blossoming into an NBA player is a step towards the future that aligns with the front office’s vision.
Queen and fellow rookie Fears have a short turnaround when they go on the road to face the Mavs (2-5), led by No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg, on Wednesday (Nov. 5).
That game will air on the Gulf Coast Sports and Entertainment Network with pregame coverage starting at 7 p.m.
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