Pelicans' Derik Queen Struggles Worsen Amid Disastrous Season

The talented rookie's production, playing time, and effort have all declined in recent weeks.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The New Orleans Pelicans' 2025-26 season has been a disaster, with the team currently having the third-worst record in the Western Conference. Rookie center Derik Queen, who had an impressive start to the season, has seen his production, playing time, and effort decline in recent weeks. Queen's defensive and rebounding issues have led to inconsistent minutes, and there are concerns about whether he has the physical tools and skill set to be an effective center in the NBA.

Why it matters

The Pelicans' struggles this season, including Queen's decline, highlight the team's poor decision-making in the offseason that led them to give up their unprotected 2026 first-round draft pick. The team's future is now in jeopardy, and they must figure out how to develop Queen and build around him and Zion Williamson.

The details

After averaging 12.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists on 55.5% True Shooting in the first half of the season, Queen's production has dropped to 9.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists on 51.8% True Shooting in the last nine games. His playing time has also decreased, as he hasn't played over 20 minutes in back-to-back games since being benched ahead of the February 24 game against the Warriors. Queen's defensive and rebounding issues have been the main reasons for his inconsistent minutes, as the Pelicans struggle to rebound the ball and protect the rim when he is on the floor.

  • Queen was averaging 12.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists on 55.5% True Shooting before the All-Star break.
  • In the last nine games, Queen has averaged 9.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists on 51.8% True Shooting.
  • Queen hasn't played over 20 minutes in back-to-back games since being benched ahead of the February 24 game against the Warriors.

The players

Derik Queen

A 21-year-old rookie center for the New Orleans Pelicans who had an impressive start to the season but has seen his production, playing time, and effort decline in recent weeks.

Joe Dumars

The executive who made the decision for the Pelicans to give up their unprotected 2026 first-round draft pick, a move that has proven to be disastrous for the team's future.

Zion Williamson

The star player for the Pelicans who the team must build around, along with Derik Queen, as they try to turn their fortunes around.

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The takeaway

The Pelicans' struggles this season, including Derik Queen's decline, highlight the team's poor decision-making in the offseason and the urgent need to develop Queen and build a competitive team around him and Zion Williamson. The team's future is now in jeopardy, and they must find a way to turn things around.