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Derik Queen loves playing alongside Zion Williamson for the Pelicans.
The New Orleans Pelicans continue to build for the future, and rookie Derik Queen continues to be a major part of the team’s plans. During an exclusive interview with Heavy Sports, Queen discussed playing for the Pelicans, being teammates with Zion Williamson, life in the NBA and his partnership with DQ.
Queen praised Williamson, labeling the Pelicans star as someone who wants “to see everybody win.”
“He just opens up the floor for everybody,” Queen told Heavy Sports when asked about Williamson as a teammate. “His gravity, everybody just going to shift to him, everybody going to focus on him.
“And nine times out of ten, he do make the right play, finish over top of him (or) kick (it) out. And yeah, he’s just a great teammate and just want to see everybody win.”
The Pelicans Owe the Hawks the Team’s 1st Round Pick in the 2026 NBA Draft as Part of the Derik Queen Trade
The Pelicans gave up a premium to snag Queen in the 2025 NBA draft. New Orleans traded up from No. 23 to No. 13 on draft night in a major trade with the Atlanta Hawks.
The Pelicans also owe the Hawks their first-round pick in the 2026 NBA draft, a selection which could end up landing in the top 10. Queen reflected on the message sent with the franchise giving up so much to bring the big man to New Orleans.
“Yeah, I didn’t know what they gave up at first, but I knew they traded for me and then it just shows how much they really wanted me to be a part of this organization,” Queen said of the Hawks-Pelicans trade. “And then hopefully I didn’t let them down and I’m just (going to) keep trying to do what’s right for this organization.”
Queen signed a four-year, $24.3 million rookie contract with the Pelicans as the big man is poised to be a major part of New Orleans’ future. Williamson is under contract through the 2027-28 season as well.
The Pelicans are hoping that the front-court duo can help make the team competitive again in the Western Conference. Through his first 71 games, Queen is averaging 11.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists and one steal per game.
Derik Queen Is Partnering With DQ for Free Buster Bars During March Madness
With the initials of D.Q., it is only fitting that Queen partnered with DQ amid all the March Madness excitement. Queen emerged as one of the faces of March Madness during Maryland’s run in 2025.
Fans can get a free box of Buster Bars when ordering the chicken strip party platter in the DQ app. As for Queen’s favorite Blizzard flavor, the Pelicans big man is partial to Oreo.
“It’s a fun partnership. (The) Dairy Queen (offer is) just for March Madness,” Queen explained. “(When) people get their brackets messed up, they can go on the DQ app from now to April 12th, (and) if you order a chicken strips platter, you get free Buster Bar treats.
“… My favorite order is the Oreo (Blizzard). I like to change it up sometimes, but I’m stuck on Oreo. And then of course everybody like chicken strips.”
Jonathan Adams is a veteran sports contributor covering the NFL, NBA and golf for Heavy.com. His work has been prominently featured on NFL.com, Yahoo Sports, Pro Football Talk, CBS Sports, Bleacher Report and Sports Illustrated. More about Jonathan Adams
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