Tim Duncan Praises Pelicans Rookie Derik Queen Amid Team’s Struggles

The New Orleans Pelicans’ early-season woes continued on Saturday with a 126–119 loss to the San Antonio Spurs, dropping the team to 2–7 on the year. The defeat added to what has been a frustrating start for a squad seeking consistency, cohesion, and identity under head coach Willie Green. Yet, amid the disappointment, a bright spot emerged in the form of rookie center Derik Queen — and he caught the attention of one of basketball’s greatest power forwards.

During the broadcast, color commentator Antonio Daniels revealed that Hall of Famer Tim Duncan, who was in attendance for the game, had texted him during the contest to compliment the young big man. “Right now, I’m sitting here with my phone in my hand, and Tim Duncan just sent me a text about Derik Queen,” Daniels said on-air. “He said, ‘Man, I really like [that] Queen guy.’ Me too, bro! Me too!”

The endorsement from Duncan, a five-time NBA champion and two-time MVP, carries significant weight. Known for his calm dominance and mastery of fundamentals, Duncan has long been regarded as a model for developing big men — making his praise of Queen all the more meaningful.

Though the Pelicans’ record remains concerning, the emergence of Queen provides a rare source of optimism for a franchise in need of long-term hope. The 20-year-old’s early flashes suggest he could become a foundational piece for New Orleans’ rebuild.

1. Rookie Impresses with Playmaking and Poise

Against San Antonio, Queen delivered another well-rounded performance, finishing with 13 points, eight assists, and five rebounds in just 25 minutes. His versatility stood out, as he not only scored efficiently but also orchestrated the offense — leading the Pelicans in assists. Queen’s ability to facilitate from the center position has given the Pelicans an intriguing new dimension. Rather than relying solely on guards to initiate plays, New Orleans has found success allowing the rookie to operate at the elbows and high post, where his court vision shines. What’s most impressive about Queen’s early play isn’t just the numbers — it’s the composure. For a 20-year-old adjusting to NBA speed and physicality, he has shown patience, timing, and a willingness to make the right read rather than force plays. That maturity has earned him the trust of his teammates, who increasingly look to him to spark the offense. Even in defeat, Queen’s presence was felt. Against a Spurs team featuring Victor Wembanyama and an up-tempo attack, the young center managed to hold his own and show flashes of leadership — a promising sign for his growth trajectory.

2. A Team Searching for Identity

The Pelicans’ 2–7 record underscores broader issues with the roster’s balance and health. Injuries, inconsistent defensive effort, and struggles closing out games have plagued New Orleans early on. Yet within that context, the development of players like Queen represents a small but meaningful win. Through nine games, Queen is averaging 8.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game while shooting 44.4 percent from the field and 76.7 percent from the free-throw line. Those numbers might not leap off the stat sheet, but they reflect steady improvement and growing confidence in his role. Head coach Willie Green has gradually increased Queen’s minutes, often pairing him with second-unit scorers to take advantage of his playmaking. His ability to connect actions — passing out of double teams, initiating fast breaks, and setting creative screens — has drawn comparisons to other modern playmaking bigs like Domantas Sabonis. For the Pelicans, whose offense has often stagnated around isolation-heavy sets, Queen’s passing could be the key to unlocking better team rhythm. If his upward trajectory continues, it may not be long before Green faces pressure to give him a more prominent role in the rotation.

3. Looking Ahead: Building on Small Victories

The Pelicans will have little time to regroup before facing the Phoenix Suns on Monday, another test for a team trying to stabilize its season. With stars like Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram still finding consistency, New Orleans’ success may hinge on the collective growth of its younger players. Queen’s emergence adds a sense of promise to what has otherwise been a difficult start. His energy and vision provide a spark — and Tim Duncan’s recognition only reinforces the notion that the Pelicans have found something worth investing in. For a franchise long searching for sustained success, moments like these matter. They remind fans that while the present may be rocky, the foundation of the future could already be taking shape in a rookie who’s turning heads across the league. If Queen can build on his early momentum and continue to develop alongside New Orleans’ core, the Pelicans may soon transition from a team defined by potential to one capable of contending. For now, every small victory — from moral support to mentorship — counts as progress in a season that’s still very much in its infancy.