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Pelicans Rookie Derik Queen Drops 30 vs. Nuggets as Nikola Jokić Praises Performance

The breakout offers a bright data point for a 2-13 team that traded up to draft the Maryland product.

Overview

  • Queen, the No. 13 pick, posted 30 points on 12-of-18 shooting with nine rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks in a 125-118 loss to Denver.
  • Jokić called the 20-year-old "good" and "pretty crafty," praising his touch and feel while suggesting he will craft his own identity.
  • According to StatMuse, he is the first Pelicans rookie to reach 30-9 with at least two steals and two blocks on 65% shooting in a game.
  • Jokić finished with 28 points, 12 assists and 11 rebounds for his third consecutive triple-double.
  • New Orleans traded significant draft capital to move up for Queen, who carried a "Baby Jokić" label from Maryland that his performance validated without settling the comparison.