Derik Queen Opens Up About Quest Partnership, New Orleans Life, and NBA Rookie TransitionDerik Queen Opens Up About Quest Partnership, New Orleans Life, and NBA Rookie Transition
NEW ORLEANS — New Orleans Pelicans rookie Derik Queen is making waves both on and off the court. The 20-year-old center, who was selected 13th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, sat down to discuss his partnership with Quest Nutrition, adjusting to life in the Big Easy, and his goals for his rookie campaign.
When asked about choosing Quest among the numerous protein brands available, Queen kept it simple and genuine. The partnership started during pre-draft workouts when he was introduced to Quest’s products—bars, donuts, and shakes. But what sealed the deal wasn’t just the products themselves.
“The owners were there,” Queen explained. “I met them, and then after that, just kept… then we just kept building.”
That personal connection clearly matters to the Maryland product, who appreciated the face-to-face relationship from the start. It’s the kind of authentic approach that matches Queen’s down-to-earth personality.
The transition from college basketball to the NBA is notoriously difficult, but Queen has embraced the challenge head-on. When discussing the biggest differences, he didn’t hesitate: “First is no school.”
But don’t mistake that relief for thinking the NBA is easier. “People might say it’s not a job, but it… it is a job,” Queen emphasized. “Long days, a lot of preparation for stuff, a lot of pounding on our bodies. We play a lot of games.”
The schedule is relentless compared to college, with a shorter off-season and basketball becoming the sole focus. “In college, you have class, like, you have other things to do, but in the NBA life… it’s definitely just mainly just solely on basketball.”
That adjustment has shown in Queen’s early-season performance. Through his first 11 games, he’s averaging 9.2 points and 5.5 rebounds per game in roughly 20 minutes off the bench. But those numbers don’t tell the whole story.
Recent Breakout Performances
Queen has been on fire lately, especially with Zion Williamson sidelined by a hamstring injury. In his last seven games, he’s averaged 13.0 points and 5.8 rebounds while shooting an efficient 49.5% from the field.
His career-high came just last Wednesday against Portland, when Queen exploded for 26 points on 12-of-18 shooting with seven rebounds and four assists in 38 minutes. Even more impressive? He did it while facing off against a defensive front that had no answer for his unique combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ.
Earlier in November, Queen helped the Pelicans secure their first win of the season with a historic fourth-quarter performance against Charlotte. In just 12 minutes of the final period, he posted 12 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals—becoming the first player since 1996 to record those numbers in any single quarter.
His playmaking ability particularly stood out in a loss to San Antonio, where he dished out a career-high eight assists. The performance caught the attention of Hall-of-Famer Tim Duncan, who texted Spurs broadcaster Antonio Daniels during the game saying, “I really like that Queen guy.”
Life in New Orleans has been a welcome surprise for the Baltimore native. “Everything is so close,” Queen noted with enthusiasm. He recalled going to a concert shortly after arriving and being immediately recognized by fans excited to have the rookie in town.
While Queen and his fellow rookies haven’t experienced Mardi Gras yet, they’re already appreciating the city’s unique culture, great food, and accessibility. “I feel like it’s everything, it’s a lot of activities, everything you need down here.”
The fan support has clearly resonated with the young center, who’s taken on the responsibility of representing his new home. “Just trying to do as much as I can do for New Orleans. This is my second home now. Just put them back on the map, win as many games as possible and make New Orleans happy.”
Looking ahead, Queen’s goals are team-oriented and mature beyond his years. “Just continue to build habits, eat right, and just routines, and just keep… and bring in a winning culture,” he said.
Despite being one of the youngest players on the roster, Queen isn’t shying away from leadership responsibilities. “Being a leader, even though I’m one of the youngest on the team. And just trying to just win as many games as possible.”
With the Pelicans struggling at 2-9 to start the season, Queen’s emergence couldn’t come at a better time. His combination of offensive versatility, improving playmaking, and infectious personality make him exactly the kind of building block New Orleans needs moving forward.
As Queen continues to develop his game and settle into NBA life—Quest Nutrition shake in hand—Pelicans fans have plenty of reasons to be excited about their rookie’s future in the Big Easy.
