Credit: Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Joe Dumars says Pelicans’ new signing has ‘extremely hard’ workout he hopes will push Derik Queen’s development

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Luca Rosano | Last updated Sep 23, 2025 6:30 AM ET

The New Orleans Pelicans made an aggressive push for Derik Queen at the 2025 NBA Draft.

The Pelicans acquired the 13th overall pick, Derik Queen from the Atlanta Hawks for the rights to the 23rd overall pick, Asa Newell, and an unprotected 2026 first-round pick (best from New Orleans or Milwaukee).

Many people doubted the move for Queen because that 2026 first-round pick could end up being a valuable pick to surrender, but clearly the Pelicans are high on the 20-year-old.

They saw something in him that they didn’t want to pass up on the opportunity to take him in the draft.

Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Joe Dumars says Derik Queen is working out with Kevon Looney, Queen ‘can’t go half speed’

After a terrible year last season, the Pelicans are trying to get back to being a postseason contender.

While the Western Conference did load up with hopes of beating the defending champions Oklahoma City Thunder, the Pelicans made their own moves, including trading for Saddiq Bey and Jordan Poole and signing veteran big man Kevon Looney.

After a 10-year run with the Golden State Warriors that began with a historic 73-win season and included three championships, Looney’s tenure with Golden State ended when he signed with the Pelicans in July.

Pelicans’ Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars held a press conference before Pelicans Media Day and he talked about a variety of topics, including Queen working out with Looney.

“Peavy [is] working out with Saddiq Bey, Fears working out with Jordan Poole, when Queen is finally getting back on the court, he’s with Kevon Looney.

“These young guys, you’ve got to put that veteran experience in front of them. I can sit and talk to him all day long. ‘Need to do this’, but they need to see it on the court, and they need to see it from veteran guys on the court.

“That’s what we do with the young guys, we pair them with vets who really know how to work.

“If you see Saddiq Bey work, Peavy working out with him has no choice but to work at that pace.

“Looney goes extremely hard in his workout, so when Queen is with him, you can’t go half speed and the vet guy is going all out. That’s how you get those guys up to speed.”

Kevon Looney has an important role with the New Orleans Pelicans

Looney left the Warriors when he signed with the Pelicans on a two-year, $16 million deal this summer.

Looney’s numbers never stood out, with career averages of 5.0 points and 5.7 rebounds, but it is his strong grit, relentless rebounding, strong defense, and selflessness that earned him this deal.

Looney will also be asked to mentor the Pelicans’ young centers, Yves Missi and Queen.

The 29-year-old Looney, who will turn 30 before the All-Star break on February 6, will be offering experience on and off the floor for the Pelicans.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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