Pelicans Trade Up to Draft Derik Queen at 13

The New Orleans Pelicans traded the No. 23 pick and an unprotected 2026 first-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks to select Maryland center Derik Queen at No. 13 overall in the 2025 NBA Draft. Queen, a Baltimore native, averaged 16.5 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 assists in his freshman season, earning All-Big Ten First Team and Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors. The Pelicans, under new Executive Vice President Joe Dumars, were drawn to Queen's blend of size and perimeter skills, though concerns remain about his outside shooting and defense. Draft analysts see significant upside if he improves his shooting, with comparisons to Alperen Şengün and Zach Randolph. The deal is seen as high-risk due to the unprotected 2026 pick's potential value in a challenging Western Conference. This move signals an aggressive rebuild effort around Zion Williamson following a disappointing season.