Derik Queen: Jersey | Pick | Fantasy | Injury | Stats | Trade | Height

Derik Queen has become one of the most talked-about young big men in basketball. As a dominant force in college and now a promising rookie in the NBA, he’s drawing attention for his unique blend of size, skill, and versatility. In this article, we’ll dive deep into his jersey, draft pick, fantasy potential, injury history, stats, trade background, and physical profile (height, weight, etc.).

1. Who Is Derik Queen? — Early Life & Background

Derik Emanuel Queen was born on December 27, 2004, in Baltimore, Maryland. He rose through the high school ranks at Saint Frances Academy in Baltimore, where he made headlines early on. As a freshman, he averaged 14 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and two blocks per game and won the MaxPreps National Freshman of the Year award.

He later transferred to Montverde Academy (Florida), a powerhouse high school program known for producing top-tier basketball talent. At Montverde, he showed flashes of dominance — double-doubles, strong rebounding, and a well-rounded interior game.

2. College Career & Draft Pick

Maryland Terrapins

Queen played one season of college basketball at the University of Maryland. During that season, he averaged 16.5 points and 9.0 rebounds per game across 36 games. His field-goal percentage was solid (~52.6%), and he demonstrated good efficiency around the basket.

His strong freshman year earned him Big Ten All-Freshman honors and recognition in the conference.

Entering the NBA Draft

After his freshman season, Queen declared for the 2025 NBA Draft. He was selected 13th overall in Round 1 by the Atlanta Hawks, but was immediately traded to the New Orleans Pelicans. This pick was viewed as a strong value pick considering his age, skill set, and upside.

3. Jersey — Number & Team

Since joining the New Orleans Pelicans, Queen dons the #22 jersey. As a rookie in New Orleans, he’s expected to be a significant piece of their frontcourt rotation, especially given his size and ability to handle the ball.

4. Height, Weight & Physical Profile

One of Queen’s standout traits is his physical frame:

• Height: 6’9″ (2.06 m) according to NBA.com.

• Weight: ~250 lb (113 kg).

• Alternative listing: Some college sources listed him at 6’10” and 246 lb.

This size, combined with his mobility, makes him a potential mismatch nightmare — not just a bruising post player, but someone who can face up, make plays, and contribute in various ways.

5. Playing Style & Strengths

Derik Queen offers a unique combination of skills for a big man:

• Versatility: He’s not just a traditional back-to-the-basket big. His footwork, ball-handling, and feel for the game allow him to operate from face-up positions. As some observers on Reddit have put it:

  “He is a face up driver … can leverage his amazing handle, fluidity and feel … not who Derik Queen is … a post up big.”

• Playmaking: Queen shows good vision and passing ability for his size. He’s not a static big — he can act as an offensive hub, dropping dimes and making reads.

• Touch near the rim: He finishes well around the basket, using his body, touch, and soft hands to convert high-percentage shots.

• Rebounding: With his frame and instincts, he can clean the glass effectively.

However, he’s not without his limitations:

• Athleticism questions: Some critics note that he may lack elite vertical explosion or elite recovery speed.

• Defense concerns: While he is mobile, rim protection isn’t his strongest suit; he may not be a dominant shot-blocker in the mold of traditional defensive anchors.

• Shooting: His three-point shooting is limited — he’s not yet a reliable stretch big, which may limit certain lineup fits.

6. Fantasy Potential

From a fantasy basketball perspective, Queen is an intriguing option, especially in dynasty or keeper leagues:

• Upside: As a young big with a high ceiling, he could become a solid contributor in points, rebounds, and assists if he develops into a playmaking pick-and-roll threat.

• Risk Factor: Given his injury history (more on that below) and uncertain role early in his career, he comes with risk. His lack of three-point shooting might limit his fantasy contributions in categories like 3PM (three-pointers made).

• Value in long-term formats: In dynasty formats, Queen could be a valuable pick due to his age, skill set, and the potential for growth. If he earns more minutes over time, he could be a breakout contributor.

7. Injury History & Concerns

One of the more significant concerns for Queen early in his pro career is his injury:

• In July 2025, Derik Queen underwent surgery to repair a torn scapholunate ligament in his left wrist.

• Reports indicate he would be re-evaluated in about 12 weeks, which meant missing part of training camp and likely affecting his early development.

• According to team and media updates, there wasn’t a definitive return timeline initially, adding uncertainty to his rookie season.

• There are also discussions (on Reddit) that he has been cleared to resume all basketball activities as of October 2025.

The wrist injury is a key factor when projecting his future — for both his playing ability and his availability in fantasy.

8. NBA Career & Trade Details

The Trade

• Queen was selected 13th overall by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2025 NBA Draft.

• That same night, he was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans.

• The Pelicans gave up their unprotected 2026 first-round pick to acquire him.

• This trade reflects the confidence New Orleans has in Queen, as they mortgaged a future first-rounder to secure him.

Role with the Pelicans

As a rookie, Queen’s role with New Orleans is expected to evolve. Given his size and play style, he could contribute as:

• A frontcourt rotation player, sharing minutes at the 4 or 5 positions.

• A playmaking big, especially in sets where he can facilitate from the high post or in pick-and-roll offense.

• A growth piece, with the Pelicans potentially viewing him as a cornerstone for their long-term frontcourt.

His development will depend on health, consistency, and his ability to adjust to the NBA’s pace and physicality.

9. Statistical Breakdown

College Stats (Maryland)

From his one season at Maryland:

• Games Played: 36

• Points per Game (PPG): 16.5

• Rebounds per Game (RPG): 9.0

• Assists per Game (APG): 1.9

• Field Goal %: ~52.6%

• PER (Player Efficiency Rating): 24.7 (per Sports-Reference)

These numbers reflect a very efficient, impactful freshman season in a major conference.

Early NBA / Rookie Projections

• According to ESPN, in his 2025–26 regular season stint (or early games) he averaged around 10.4 PPG, 6.2 RPG, and 2.6 APG.

• His traditional per-game stat lines from NBA.com also reflect similar production: 10.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists in certain splits.

These early numbers suggest that he can be a well-rounded contributor, not just a rebounder or finisher.

10. Pros & Cons: Why Derik Queen Matters

Pros

1. High Upside Big Man: Queen’s combination of size, mobility, and playmaking gives him a high ceiling.

2. Unique Skill Set: Unlike many bigs, he can pass, create, and operate off the ball — making him valuable in modern NBA systems.

3. Rebounding and Efficiency: He is strong on the boards and converts at a good rate around the rim.

4. Youth: Born in 2004, he has a lot of developmental runway ahead.

5. Trade Investment: The Pelicans’ willingness to trade a future first-round pick underscores their belief in his potential.

Cons / Risks

1. Injury Risk: The wrist surgery is a big red flag. If he doesn’t fully recover or reinjures, it could hamper his growth.

2. Defense Limitations: He’s not yet a dominant rim protector, which may limit his defensive value.

3. Limited Shooting: His three-point shot is not heavily developed, reducing his stretch big potential.

4. Consistency & Conditioning: Some analysts point to his motor, athleticism, and stamina as areas to improve.

5. Role Uncertainty: As a rookie, it’s unclear exactly how much playing time he’ll get, and on what type of lineups he’ll thrive.

11. Fantasy Take: Should You Draft Him?

For fantasy basketball managers, here are some thoughts:

• Dynasty Leagues: Queen is extremely appealing. His age, upside, and role make him a great long-term hold.

• Redraft / Keeper Leagues: He’s riskier due to injury. If he starts strong and stays healthy, he could provide good value.

• Category Considerations: He’s more likely to contribute in points, rebounds, and perhaps assists. Less likely to be a significant source of 3-pointers early on.

If you’re looking for a breakout big with a high ceiling — and are okay with some risk — Queen is a tempting pick.

12. Comparison & Player Archetype

Derik Queen’s game has drawn various comparisons:

• Some have likened him to Zach Randolph or Domantas Sabonis, due to his size, strength, and playmaking ability.

• Others mention Nikola Jokic when talking about his vision and ability to make plays from the interior, though that’s more aspirational than direct.

• He’s also been compared to Boris Diaw or Alperen Şengün, players who blend post-skilled play with passing ability.

He’s not a pure bruising center or a stretch big — he’s more of a hybrid, which in today’s NBA is very valuable.

13. Future Outlook: What’s Next for Queen

Looking ahead, here’s how things could unfold for Derik Queen:

1. Recovery & Health: His near-term focus will be on recovering from wrist surgery and regaining full strength and mobility. How he bounces back will be critical.

2. Earning Playing Time: As a rookie, he’ll likely compete for minutes in a frontcourt rotation. If he proves his worth, he could become a larger piece in the Pelicans’ plans.

3. Skill Development: Improving his shooting (especially from range), defense, and conditioning will be vital for his long-term growth.

4. Fantasy Growth: If he stays healthy and plays consistently, his fantasy value should rise significantly in subsequent seasons.

14. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1: What number does Derik Queen wear?
A1: He wears #22 for the New Orleans Pelicans.

Q2: How tall is Derik Queen?
A2: He is listed at 6’9″ (2.06 m) on NBA.com. Some college sources list him at 6’10”.

Q3: Which pick was he in the NBA Draft?
A3: He was selected 13th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks, then traded to the Pelicans.

Q4: What are his career college stats?
A4: In his one season at Maryland, he averaged approximately 16.5 PPG, 9.0 RPG, and 1.9 APG, with a field-goal percentage of around 52.6%.

Q5: Did he have any injuries?
A5: Yes — in July 2025, he underwent surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left wrist. He was set to be re-evaluated after about 12 weeks.

Q6: What is his fantasy basketball potential?
A6: He has high upside in dynasty or keeper leagues due to his age, versatility, and skill set. However, injury risk and his limited shooting could be constraints in redraft leagues.

Q7: What kind of player is he similar to?
A7: Scouts and fans compare him to big men like Zach Randolph, Domantas Sabonis, or Boris Diaw due to his combination of size, passing, and touch.

Conclusion

Derik Queen is a rising star whose game combines the traditional presence of a big man with the playmaking and versatility usually reserved for smaller, more agile players. With his size (6’9–6’10), strong college performance, and creative flair, he represents a compelling long-term asset for the New Orleans Pelicans.

That said, his early career will likely hinge on how well he recovers from his wrist injury, how the Pelicans integrate him into their rotation, and how he adapts to the physical and strategic demands of the NBA. For fantasy managers, Queen is a high-risk, high-reward proposition—especially valuable in long-term formats.