LAS VEGAS – New Orleans Pelicans head coach Corey Brewer has noted promising signs in Derik Queen’s performance during the Summer League, praising the rookie’s rebounding, passing, and physicality. Brewer described Queen as a developing player with a trajectory that could lead to significant impact in the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA.

The Pelicans made a bold move by trading up in the 2024 NBA Draft, sending their No. 23 pick along with a future first-round pick in 2026 to the Atlanta Hawks to secure Queen at No. 13. This decision generated debate over the team’s willingness to give up future assets amid playoff uncertainties next season.

Queen Responds to Draft Criticism with Confidence on the Court

Despite scrutiny surrounding the Pelicans’ draft-day trade, Queen has maintained focus on proving his worth through his on-court efforts. Coach Brewer noted that while he didn’t see Queen using criticism as motivation, the rookie’s confidence is evident as he aims to validate his abilities.

“It’s through the roof, man,” Brewer said, shaking his head. “His potential is unlimited.”

“I don’t know if he’s using it as a chip,” Brewer said. “For him, he’s a confident dude. I just think he knows that he feels he’s that good. So he’s just has to go out here and prove it.”

Summer League Performance Highlights Opportunities and Areas for Growth

In two Summer League losses, Queen demonstrated his capability to produce double-doubles, recording 13 points and 10 rebounds against the Minnesota Timberwolves, and following up with 12 points and 13 rebounds versus the Los Angeles Lakers. However, the games also exposed aspects of his game in need of improvement, including seven turnovers in the opener and accumulating seven fouls in the second game. While Queen showed strong passing ability with three assists against Minnesota, his assist count dropped to one against the Lakers.

During the Summer League opener, Brewer focused on calming Queen’s nerves, encouraging him to relax and play instinctively, which helped the rookie exhibit resilience as he adjusted to the professional level.

“It’s my first time being a head coach,” Brewer said. “So I got to watch the film and see how I can get him the ball and in better spots and in different situations so he can be a playmaker.”

Potential Synergy Between Derik Queen and Zion Williamson Is Encouraging

Coach Brewer expressed optimism about the developing relationship between Queen and Pelicans star Zion Williamson, suggesting their playing styles could create a strong partnership on the court. The Pelicans aim to leverage Queen’s passing and physicality alongside Williamson’s aggressive downhill drives to enhance team dynamics.

“I think they’ll complement each other great,” Brewer said. “The way Zion gets downhill, the way he passes the ball, I think they’re going to play good together.”

Derik Queen Discusses His Summer League Experience and Adjustments

In an interview with Sportskeeda, Derik Queen reflected on his evolving understanding of the game’s pace and physical demands in the Summer League, noting progress since his initial struggles. He emphasized his commitment to continuous improvement and adapting to the professional level.

I was just talking to one of the coaches. I understand the pace a little bit more and definitely the physicality. It’s about adapting to the game after my first-game struggles. It’s about going through it, of course. That’s what I did. I went through it first game and then picked it up in the second half. I just got to keep building and building and keep getting better.

Handling Physicality and Game Intensity

Queen acknowledged the tough nature of the game, including the physical contact and hustle involved, accepting these challenges as part of the sport and the professional athlete’s career while maintaining a positive attitude.

There’s a lot of game and a lot of hustle. It happens. And of course, we get paid for it. So it’s all right.

Goals for Summer League: Developing an All-Around Game

The rookie aims to enhance his dominance on both offense and defense, improve his ability to involve teammates, and maintain a high level of performance throughout his rookie season while enjoying the process.

I just want to keep getting better and keep getting more dominant day by day and trying to get my teammates involved and knocking down shots. I want to have an all-around game and get better on defense. I’m also having fun with it.

Building Team Chemistry Beyond the Court

Queen discussed his rapport with fellow rookie Jeremiah Fears, highlighting their off-court interactions and mutual support despite limited in-game plays together. He described how the team culture, fostered by Coach Brewer, encourages bonding through practice and social activities.

How Coach Brewer got us, we play certain possessions together and help each other out. I feel like we have chemistry with off-the-court things, but how Coach Brewer got us, there’s not a lot of actions with me and him. But we do have great chemistry. We text off the court and gotten to know each other off-the-court. Every time we go to practice, it’s me, him and Micah (Peavy). Sometimes we eat together. We conversate and talk about things.

Impressions of Jeremiah Fears’ Skills

Queen praised Fears for his quickness, ball-handling, and overall basketball ability, indicating respect for his rookie teammate’s potential contributions to the Pelicans.

He’s quick. He’s got a great handle. He’s really good at basketball.

Reflecting on the Pelicans’ Confidence and Draft Trade

Queen expressed appreciation for the organization’s strong belief in his abilities demonstrated by the decision to trade up in the draft. He emphasized his own confidence and dedication to growing his game incrementally each day.

I feel like I’m a good player. I think they made a decision to get me because they wanted me. I felt like I’m a good player, and that I can be a good player for anyone. I just want to keep playing my game and keep doing what I’m doing every day. I want to keep building.

Responding to Criticism About the Draft Move

Regarding external criticism of the Pelicans’ transaction, Queen noted the inevitability of negative feedback on social media but said it motivates him to stay focused and maintain authenticity in his game.

We’re on social media, and you don’t like to hear bad things about ourselves. But it’s life. People make decisions. People aren’t going to like every decision. So it’s like whatever. Everybody is just telling me to stay focused. It’s about me being myself.

Aspiring to Establish a Role During Rookie Season

Queen looks forward to joining the regular-season Pelicans squad, anticipating that playing alongside experienced and skilled teammates will help him fit in well and ease his transition into the NBA.

Playing on the actual NBA team, I think it’s actually going to be a lot easier because there are more experienced guys, better guys and older guys. They have the ability to shoot and they’re athletic. I feel like I can fit in perfectly.

Queen’s Perspective on His Developing Partnership with Zion Williamson

When asked about the on-court synergy he hopes to build with Zion Williamson, Queen responded with both humor and optimism, underscoring his goal to support the star forward and enhance their combined performance.

Zion will tell me probably to get out of his way. So I’m going to get out of his way. I’ll throw lobs to Zion and just help him be the best version that he can play of himself.

Looking Ahead to a Promising Future for Queen and the Pelicans

Derik Queen’s early Summer League efforts, combined with his growing connection to Zion Williamson, have energized the Pelicans’ outlook despite offseason skepticism. As Brewer continues to develop game plans that highlight Queen’s versatility and playmaking, fans and analysts alike will be watching to see how this pairing impacts New Orleans’ pursuit of playoff contention in the coming NBA season.