The New Orleans Pelicans entered the fourth quarter down 14 points on Wednesday night. They scratched and clawed their way back, closing the gap to as tight as six points late in the game. But their efforts were not enough as the Pelicans lost to the Nuggets 125-118. The loss marked New Orleans’ seventh in a row, dropping their record to 2-13.
Despite the loss, there were plenty of positives to take away from the game. Zion Williamson made his return, and he was able to log 29 minutes. Additionally, Trey Murphy III continued to impress as he scored 23 points on 50% shooting, while knocking down five of his 12 three-point attempts.
The biggest positive to come out of the game was the performance from rookie Derik Queen. Queen has played well all season, but Wednesday was the best game of his young career. The first-round pick scored a career-high 30 points to go along with nine rebounds, four assists, two blocks, and two steals.
Derik Queen’s Rookie Season So Far
GettyDerik Queen is averaging 10.4 points per game this year.
Queen was taken with the 13th pick in the 2025 NBA draft. The Pelicans paid a hefty price to trade up and take the Maryland standout, and Queen is not disappointing. His 30 points are a career-high, but Queen has scored in the double digits in eight games this season. His nine rebounds were also the second-most he has grabbed in a game this year.
Even though the Pelicans walked away with the loss, Queen’s 30 points were the 13th-most scored by a rookie in New Orleans’ franchise history. Ahead of him on the list are teammates Williamson (31, 32, 35 points in 2019/20) and Murphy (32 points in 2021/22). Of those players ahead of him, Queen’s field goal percentage in the game was fifth-best, and his nine rebounds were tied for the most.
The 20-year-old is proving himself to be in the Rookie of the Year conversation. In fact, NBA.com has Queen ranked as the No. 7 rookie in the league headed into Wednesday’s slate of games. Queen’s 30-point night is a strong enough argument for him to be moved up in those rankings.
Pelicans Have a Bright Future
GettyJeremiah Fears is averaging 15.3 points per game this season.
It may not seem like it at the moment, but the Pelicans have a bright future. In addition to Queen, New Orleans drafted Jeremiah Fears with the seventh pick in the first round this year. Fears is averaging 15.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. He is rated one above Queen in the NBA.com rookie rankings.
Along with the two rookies, Murphy is just 25 years old, while Williamson is the same age. Now, Williamson’s health is an issue, but his talent has never been questioned. With the foursome of Queen, Fears, Murphy, and Williamson healthy, the Pelicans have a strong young core. New Orleans is also waiting on 29-year-old Dejounte Murray to return from his torn Achilles tendon, which should be right after New Years.
The Pelicans proved they were willing to take steps towards the future when they fired Willie Green. He was off to another bad start in New Orleans, and it was time for a change of leadership. James Borrego has stepped up as the interim head coach, but New Orleans needs to find someone permanent who can lead the team into better times.
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