Joe Dumars defends controversial New Orleans Pelicans first round pick with bold ‘anybody in the draft’ statement

Joe Dumars says New Orleans Pelicans traded for Derik Queen because of high IQ and unique skills

Joe Dumars spoke to the press after night one of the 2025 NBA Draft. When talking about the decision to trade for Derik Queen, Dumars presented it as a simple decision for him.

He praised Queen’s physical and mental attributes and explained why a player like him is someone who can contribute to winning from the get-go.

“Obviously, I like tough guys, but you have to have an IQ. You can’t just be tough and nothing else. I put his IQ in the game up against anybody in the draft.

“This is a super, super, high IQ guy. He finds people, he has the mentality of a guard, and will push it up. He’s got unique skills for a 6’10” kid. That really appealed to me, to have someone on the court like that.

“You call those guys connectors. He can connect everybody on the court with the way he plays. Super unselfish. You win with guys like that.”

Derik Queen cost the Pelicans two valuable first-round picks

To get the draft rights for Derik Queen, the Pelicans had to give up their #23 pick and an unprotected 2026 first-round pick.

While the #23 pick is a small price to pay, it’s the 2026 first-round pick that has fans questioning the rationale behind the decision.

Much like this year, the 2026 NBA Draft class has some true standout stars. And as their roster is presently constructed, the Pelicans aren’t going to be a competitive team.

There is a very strong chance the Pelicans have yet another bad season. But unlike this year, they won’t have their own draft pick, and could allow the Hawks to massively benefit and land a franchise star.

For the sake of Joe Dumars’ job safety, the Pelicans need to either be competitive or find a way to land some draft capital for next year’s event.