Baltimore's Derik Queen Shines at NBA Rising Stars Weekend

The former Maryland standout continues to impress in his rookie season with the New Orleans Pelicans.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Baltimore native Derik Queen made waves at the NBA Rising Stars Challenge during All-Star Weekend, showcasing the skills that have made him one of the league's most exciting young players in his rookie season with the New Orleans Pelicans. Queen's well-rounded game, including scoring, rebounding, and playmaking, has drawn praise from teammates and quieted early critics of the trade that brought him to New Orleans.

Why it matters

Queen's success at the Rising Stars event and his strong rookie campaign highlight the continued pipeline of talent coming out of Baltimore, a city that has produced numerous NBA stars. His versatile skillset and impact on winning have made him a rising star in the league.

The details

Derik Queen, a former standout at the University of Maryland, was part of the winning team at the NBA Rising Stars Challenge during All-Star Weekend. He showcased the diverse skill set that has made him a valuable contributor for the New Orleans Pelicans in his rookie season, filling up the stat sheet with scoring, rebounding, and crisp passing. Queen's well-rounded game has drawn comparisons to some of the league's most versatile big men, and his teammates have openly praised his impact on both ends of the floor.

  • Derik Queen participated in the NBA Rising Stars Challenge during the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend.

The players

Derik Queen

A rookie forward for the New Orleans Pelicans, who played college basketball at the University of Maryland and is a native of Baltimore.

New Orleans Pelicans

The NBA team that Derik Queen currently plays for, having been traded to them during the offseason.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

Derik Queen's success at the NBA Rising Stars Challenge and his strong rookie season with the New Orleans Pelicans showcase the continued pipeline of talented basketball players coming out of Baltimore. His versatile skillset and impact on winning have made him a rising star in the league, further cementing Baltimore's reputation as a hotbed for NBA talent.