In an upset pick that shocked most on NBA draft night, the New Orleans Pelicans traded up. With the 13th overall pick, they selected Derik Queen. This decision really is a forward-thinking move for this fledgling franchise. Their goal is to eventually build a championship roster around their star player Zion Williamson. A 7-foot big man with a particular skill set to complement Williamson, questions remain about Queen’s long-term fit next to Williamson.
The Pelicans did very well to have acquired Queen via a three-team trade with the Atlanta Hawks. Analysts have called this trade the most valuable impactful of the night by far. The franchise’s approach signals a commitment to investing in young talent, but it raises concerns about how well Queen will mesh with the existing team dynamics, particularly with Williamson.
Pelicans Move Up for Queen
New Orleans’ trade to acquire Queen certainly shows they want to beef up their frontcourt even more. By moving up in the draft, the team demonstrated confidence in Queen’s potential and his ability to contribute to their future success.
Right now, Queen is a striking and powerful player. Though he doesn’t protect the rim much and doesn’t have the ability to space the floor, the Pelicans think his special skill set can be used to their benefit. His selection reflects a calculated gamble by the franchise, aiming to develop Queen into a more complete player while navigating the complexities of their current roster.
Pelicans analysts, far and wide, have touted the significance of this trade in determining what the future holds for the Pelicans. That shift not only signals their readiness to invest in young talent but focuses on short-term, pressing team needs. Now with Queen joining Williamson, the Pelicans are hoping to make a Stephen Curry-Klay Thompson dynamic on the court in New Orleans.
“We really like him [Bailey] as a player and a fit in our program.” – Austin Ainge
Challenges Ahead for the Pelicans
Despite the excitement surrounding Queen’s selection, questions remain regarding how well he will integrate into the Pelicans’ lineup alongside Williamson. Both players have unique playing styles that might not allow for a natural fit between the two. Now, analysts – including our own Jeremy Woo – are sounding the alarm. They fear for the long-term feasibility of matching up Queen with Williamson as both players require lots of development time.
This logjam has greatly complicated the picture for New Orleans, as the Pelicans are genuinely hoping to push for playoff contention this season. Getting Queen, and other rookie Jeremiah Fears, to big minutes roles will be important to their long-term development. The coaching staff may need to ensure that both players receive ample minutes on the court to facilitate their development, even if that impacts the team’s immediate performance.
The Pelicans find themselves navigating a tough landscape in a competitive Western Conference. Yet the challenges in their path to playoff turf are amplified when you factor in the complexions of their roster. Adding Queen to the mix would help them build a highly versatile skill set. We don’t know yet if that approach will make them successful.
Looking Forward
Now, with the 2023-2024 season approaching, it’s up to the Pelicans’ staff to determine the best ways to utilize Derik Queen’s skill set. There are real questions about how well he’ll fit next to Zion Williamson. His lack of upside as a rim protector and floor spacer will necessitate a bunch of changes to a team’s strategy and starting lineup.
Queen’s development will be crucial for the Pelicans. They are playing to win, hell bent on being more competitive than the deepest and toughest conference in the nation. He now joins a returning roster that faces considerable pressure to win, especially with hopes of reestablishing a culture of playoff contention. The franchise’s commitment to young talent such as Queen demonstrates the dual balance of optimism and unknown with regard to their long-term direction.
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