Photo by Tyler Kaufman/Getty Images

Standout Pelicans rookie Derik Queen responds to the comparisons he has received to Nikola Jokic

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Pocholo Magsino | Last updated Nov 22, 2025 8:00 AM ET

Derik Queen has been one of the most impressive rookies from the 2025 NBA Draft class. He has even received a co-sign from Nikola Jokic, the three-time MVP, after the New Orleans Pelicans’ loss to the Denver Nuggets earlier in the week.

After the 2025 NBA Draft, members of the NBA community were baffled when Joe Dumars and the New Orleans Pelicans traded away first-round picks to acquire Derik Queen. It was undeniable that Queen was a talented player, but it proved to be a costly decision by the front office.

Thankfully for Dumars and his staff, the Queen pick has paid off because he has been one of the most impressive rookies of the 2025-26 NBA season. He has been excellent since entering the starting lineup, even going toe-to-toe against Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic.

Even the three-time MVP had to give Queen his props because he was superb in their matchup earlier in the week.

The Nuggets won 125-118, but Queen posted 30 points, nine rebounds, and four assists while matching up against Jokic.

Photo by Tyler Kaufman/Getty Images

Queen understands the importance of Jokic praising him

Considering Jokic is not the most vocal player, hearing him praise Queen is a rare occasion. However, it goes to show Queen was impressive enough for the three-time MVP to make sure he gives some props to the young rookie.

Queen deserves the praise because he has shown a lot of positive strengths in the handful of NBA games he has played. He has a tremendous feel for the game for a big man, akin to Jokic, who is probably the best playmaking center of all time.

The rookie understands the weight of being praised by one of the NBA’s best players today. He is being level-headed, but Queen is not short of confidence, as he wants to keep playing like this and even beat Jokic in the future.

“I mean, it feels good. He’s gonna be a Hall of Famer, three-time MVP, NBA champion. Coming from him, it means a lot. I don’t know if he gives out a lot of compliments but definitely coming from one of the greatest means a lot,” Queen said before the Pelicans’ NBA Cup game against the Dallas Mavericks.

Derik Queen on Nikola Jokic comments about him:

"I don't know if he give out a lot of complements but definitely coming from one of the greatest means a lot" pic.twitter.com/7I9CuHAlSh
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) November 22, 2025

The Pelicans might have a future star in Queen

In the Pelicans’ recent games, Queen looks like one of the best players. Even though Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III are considered the Pelicans’ best players, Queen is standing out. During their NBA Cup game against the Dallas Mavericks, Queen still posted 20 points, seven rebounds, and 11 assists.

The playmaking is probably one of Queen’s biggest strengths, as he is showing a natural chemistry with Williamson and Murphy. If the Pelicans can keep the trio healthy, they have a promising foundation moving forward.

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Adding rookie guard Jeremiah Fears to the mix shows that the Pelicans are building well for their future. They might not be the best team yet, but they do have the potential to break out with their young core.

Willie Green’s firing was not surprising, considering the talent on the roster. As long as they remain healthy and continue developing, people might be surprised by how good the Pelicans could be. It will be a long process, but the young core has a high ceiling, especially with Queen already showing signs of stardom.

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

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