One of many New Orleans Pelicans’ lottery picks has been beneath lots of warmth, however former NBA participant Kendrick Perkins has spoken out for him.
It was an offseason of large adjustments for the New Orleans Pelicans, particularly of their entrance workplace as former NBA Vice President Joe Dumars moved to the franchise as their President of Basketball Operations.
He’s identified to make large selections and can be a former Govt of the Yr with the Detroit Pistons, however certainly one of his first huge strikes with the Pelicans got here beneath lots of scrutiny.
The crew determined to commerce subsequent yr’s first-round choose for the thirteenth choose within the 2025 NBA draft: Derik Queen.
His Summer time League marketing campaign was reduce quick resulting from an damage and this led to many criticizing the franchise.
Nonetheless, Kendrick Perkins has come to the protection of the previous Maryland participant.
Perkins had beforehand additionally heaped reward on Queen’s potential on the courtroom. Though he can be out for at the very least three months, the previous NBA participant believes the thirteenth choose can be immense for the Pels in his rookie season.
Queen had some huge moments in school and though the Pels’ determination to draft him was a dangerous one, Perkins believes he has a limitless ceiling.
“Derik Queen goes to be particular. I might have moved as much as get Derik Queen. He’s a Child Jokic/child Sengun. The person has the whole bundle. He’s going to be particular,” mentioned Perkins.
Queen had a double-double in all three of his Summer time League appearances. However there have been clearly issues he might enhance on, most significantly his decision-making.
He added: “If issues don’t pan out with Zion Williamson and after this season if the Pelicans determine to half methods with Zion, I’m telling you proper now, Derik Queen when he comes again from the wrist damage, he’s going to be an issue.
“He’s arguably probably the most expert participant on this draft. He doesn’t have a ceiling, he’s Lil Wayne.”
Queen had spectacular numbers for Maryland within the NCAA event, averaging 18.7 factors and eight.7 rebounds.
Whereas there isn’t a fastened date for his return, the Pels might use a participant like him as he might contribute throughout the board for them.
The Pels would not have lots of middle choices and Queen is likely to be a participant they will use in that place.
They at the moment have Yves Missi and Kevon Looney, however Queen might add much more dynamism enjoying as the middle.
His defensive recreation wants just a little extra enchancment, however Queen remains to be younger and can progress as he positive factors extra expertise.
He definitely has confidence and is a confirmed performer, however the Pelicans can be hoping these qualities transition into the NBA.
