When the New Orleans Pelicans pulled off a blockbuster draft night deal to acquire Derik Queen, it felt like the entire NBA was coming for Joe Dumars' head. I'll even admit I had a horrible reaction to the trade myself. In my head, trading pick No. 23 and unprotected 2026 first for a prospect who struggled defensively and was a ball-dominating big just didn't make sense.
Since then, I've grown way more open to the Dumars decision to trade up for Queen, as sometimes you have to pay a hefty price to secure your guy on draft night.
Obviously, Queen didn't have a great time in the summer league and ultimately ended his time in Vegas early due to a wrist injury. Since it was reported that the rookie big wouldn't be reevaluated till October 10th, we haven't received an update on his health. Thankfully, in Joe Dumars' recent appearance as part of the Saints broadcast, he had this to say about his rookie big man.
"Queen is doing well. They're training him big time. As Ive said to him, you have a hand situation here but that doesnt stop your legs. So he is running, running, running...I want you to be in incredible shape when you come back or you'll be behind"
All throughout summer league, one of the criticisms Queen faced the most was his not being in NBA-level shape. He often struggled hustling back on defense in transition and getting moving on the open floor. That's why when his injury was reported, I saw it as a great opportunity for him to get in better shape.
Clearly, Dumars sees things that way. With Queen missing training camp, Dumars has put a plan in place to ensure his conditioning is improved so when he is cleared for play, his body is ready for NBA competition.
Queen's injury was a blessing in disguise
In my opinion, the Pelicans and Queen may actually benefit from this injury. Obviously, I'd never wish an injury on anyone, but for Queen, it may actually help him. Queen now gets to work on his conditioning, which was his biggest flaw. I assume there is even more added motivation to do this because he can't really participate in basketball activities right now.
Queen is already an incredibly skilled player, and while he does have his fair share of flaws, his biggest flaw is his conditioning. So, now to hear that during his rehab process, improving his conditioning has been a focus is really promising.
I think if Queen comes into this season with improved stamina and in NBA-level shape, he could establish him self as an essential part of the Pelicans rotation earlier than many of us projected.