The New Orleans Pelicans are on the backside of the Western Convention standings with 2 wins and 15 losses.
The New Orleans Pelicans had a disastrous season, with Willie Inexperienced being fired.
To make issues worse, the Pelicans do not have a 2026 first-round decide. They traded it to the Atlanta Hawks and moved up within the 2025 NBA Draft to pick D’Eriq Queen.
Ever because the Pelicans paid a excessive value for Queen, he is been underneath a number of stress. Nonetheless, the rookie has proven many optimistic indicators up to now.
Queen has carried out very effectively up to now this season, suggesting that the price of signing him has been price it.
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The Queens have been within the zone for the final three video games. He had 30 factors, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, two blocks, and two steals in opposition to Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets.
He then scored 20 factors in consecutive video games in opposition to the Dallas Mavericks and Atlanta Hawks. Within the sport in opposition to the Mavericks, Queen got here up simply three rebounds wanting recording his first profession triple-double.
Though the Pelicans are winless, Queen seemed like a cornerstone of their franchise’s future.
Queen has been learning underneath DeAndre Jordan, who continues to be a optimistic mentor for the 20-year-old.
Courtside footage of Jordan teaching Queen from the bench was posted on social media.
Whereas Jordan isn’t the All-Star middle he as soon as was, he’s proving to be a useful mentor to the Queens.
After the Pelicans’ win over the Charlotte Hornets on Nov. 4, Jordan had one other heartwarming interplay with Queen when he discovered him sitting and speaking to reporters gathered round his locker.
Jordan instantly went to Queen, stood up and advised her to be pleased with the good efficiency she had whereas chatting with reporters.
Queen continues to rack up spectacular numbers, drawing comparisons to Nikola Jokic. Add to that the optimistic influence of Jordan, and the Pelicans might have a star of the long run on their arms.
