The New Orleans Pelicans have been stuck between two timelines all season long: the Zion Williamson timeline and the Derik Queen timeline. Both Z and DQ demand similar touches as initiators and screen-and-rollers, like to score in similar spots in the post, and are both undersized for their respective positions.
Queen has had more downs than ups since returning from the All-Star break. However, the performance he gave against the Sacramento Kings Thursday night was a reminder of why it's time to move on from Zion and focus on him.
Derik Queen showed why the Pelicans' future may run through him
Against the Kings, Queen posted 12 points, nine rebounds, five assists to just one turnover and one block in the game. Although he did go 1-for-4 in the second half, his impact was everywhere in the 133-123 win.
Similar to other games when Queen gets cooking offensively, everything was top-tier. His passing was crisp and deadly in the open floor, and at the nail, he operated as the offensive hub for New Orleans all night. He was getting downhill and scoring at the rim with ease, fighting on the glass for rebounds, and even protecting the rim. While he didn't connect on any of his attempts, seeing Queen get 3 threes up in this game was incredibly encouraging, as while it's not a strength of his, developing a solid outside shot is what could make him an All-Star-level talent.
Seeing Queen impact the game in a variety of ways against the Kings was a reminder of why he is the player to build around rather than Williamson. Sure, Z is an elite finisher and nearly unstoppable downhill, but he doesn't have much else to his game.
In the NBA nowadays, the name of the game is versatility. This is something Queen exemplifies, and something Williamson vastly struggles with.
Recently, the Pelicans' rotations have hinted that the long-term plan may be to have Queen carry the mantle for New Orleans. As they decided to split up the tandem by moving Queen to the bench, this allows Williamson to build trade value as a starter, and the rookie to have his own group to run with the second unit.
It's clear that the Zion Williamson experiment has run its course in New Orleans, after seven seasons without a playoff series victory. The message that something new is needed only becomes clearer with every major performance by Derik Queen. But we'll have to see this offseason if the front office can finally turn the page to a new chapter.