Derik Queen

Derik Emanuel Queen is an American professional basketball player for the New Orleans Pelicans of the National Basketball Association. Born on December 27, 2004, this 21-year-old center stands at 6 feet 9 inches and has quickly established himself as a versatile force in the league. He played his lone collegiate season with the Maryland Terrapins before being selected 13th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Queen's journey from a Baltimore high school standout to an NBA lottery pick was marked by rapid development and high expectations. Scouts viewed him as a consensus five-star recruit long before he arrived at college, where he dominated the Big Ten conference during his freshman year. His selection by the Atlanta Hawks followed immediately by a trade to the Pelicans signaled that franchises saw him as a cornerstone for their future rebuilds. [edit]

Derik Queen grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, where the competitive youth basketball scene provided the perfect training ground for his talents. He attended St. Frances Academy, a private institution known for its rigorous athletic programs. During his time there, Queen emerged as a dominant figure in local circles, leading his team to significant success and drawing attention from national scouts. His performance in high school culminated in his participation in the UA Next City Classic in August 2026, where he competed against other elite prospects like De'Aaron Fox.

Before enrolling at the University of Maryland, Queen was already a household name among recruiting analysts. He committed to the Terrapins as a consensus five-star recruit, carrying the weight of being one of the top players in the 2024 class. His early years were defined by a singular focus on basketball development within the city's intense circuits. By the time he stepped onto the college court, he had already refined a skill set that blended traditional post play with guard-like agility. [edit]

Queen's professional trajectory moved with remarkable speed after his single season at Maryland. In 2024–2025, he played for the Terrapins and averaged double-digit points and rebounds while earning Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors. His ability to score efficiently and facilitate play from the post position made him a consensus first-team All-American and a top-15 draft prospect.

In May 2025, the Atlanta Hawks selected him 13th overall in the NBA Draft. On draft night, his rights were immediately traded to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for assets sent to Atlanta. This move marked his official entry into the league. During his rookie season (2025–2026), Queen recorded a near-triple-double with 17 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists, two blocks, and three steals in a victory over the Utah Jazz. Analysts projected him as the potential best player on the Pelicans roster within three years, viewing him as the franchise's primary star by the 2028–2029 season. [edit]

Queen projects a disciplined, consistent, and humble persona both on and off the court. His Instagram bio states, "In a world of fleeting moments, consistency remains my guiding principle," reflecting a mature, work-focused attitude. Media coverage often highlights his versatility as a big man who can handle the ball like a guard. He avoids controversy and focuses primarily on his development as a player and community outreach efforts. [edit]

iFANN has not yet collected fame data for Derik Queen. The engine has evaluated his public signals but does not currently have a published ranking placement in the Top 1,000. His fanbase consists largely of Maryland Terrapins alumni, Pelicans fans, and NBA draft enthusiasts who followed his rise from Baltimore. Fans refer to him simply as "Derik" or use the nickname "The Green Room Invite" referencing his draft day appearance. There is no formal fandom name documented for his supporters. [edit]

Queen is a Sagittarius born on December 27, 2004. He was a consensus five-star recruit, meaning multiple major recruiting services rated him as a top-tier prospect before he even reached college. He is one of the few players to go from a Baltimore high school to the NBA in just two years following his graduation. He hosts youth skills clinics in New Orleans, showing a dedication to community service early in his career. Fans often refer to him as "The Green Room Invite" because of his appearance at the draft event with his family. [edit]

Derik Queen was raised in Baltimore, Maryland, where his early life revolved around basketball development within the city's competitive youth circuits. He attended St. Frances Academy, a private Catholic school known for its strong basketball program. While he maintains a low profile regarding his personal relationships, his family supported his journey from high school through the NBA draft. He currently lives in New Orleans as part of his professional commitment to the Pelicans. [edit]

Zion Williamson, De'Aaron Fox, Bennedict Mathurin. [edit]

As of 2026, Derik Queen is single. Given his age of 21 and the intensity of his professional schedule since entering the league in 2025, there are no publicly confirmed romantic relationships, engagements, or marriages. He has maintained a low profile regarding his personal life, focusing primarily on his development as a player and community outreach efforts in Baltimore and New Orleans. No children have been reported. His social media presence on platforms like Instagram and X focuses on basketball training, game highlights, and motivational content rather than dating rumors. [edit]

The iFANN Editorial Team estimates Derik Queen's net worth at approximately $1.8 million as of 2026. This figure reflects his rookie contract with the New Orleans Pelicans and early endorsement deals. His four-year rookie scale contract signed in 2025 is valued at roughly $10.5 million total, with the first two years totaling about $3.5 million combined. After taxes and agent fees, his liquid net worth sits comfortably in the millions range.

His primary income source remains his NBA salary. While specific endorsement values are not public, his LinkedIn profile indicates he holds brand ambassador roles, likely including local businesses in Baltimore and New Orleans plus sports apparel partnerships. He has not yet acquired significant real estate holdings beyond standard rental housing given his early career stage. [edit]

Queen earned Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors in 2025 for his outstanding performance at the University of Maryland. He was also recognized as a Consensus First-Team All-American that same year. His selection as the 13th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft further cemented his status as a top-tier prospect. [edit]