How Derrick Quinn leads two NBA All-Star moments

An invitation to NBA All-Star Weekend is the culmination of a lifelong dream for anyone involved in basketball. It’s a chance to meet legends and leave your mark. For New Orleans Pelicans cornerstone Derrick Quinnparticipating in the Rising Stars game is just the first step in a journey fueled by two different All-Star moments. There is an iconic, controversial memory from his childhood and a personal, competitive mission that should worry Jeremiah Fears.

In the beginning, the queen was a modest tub speaking of honor.

“Competing and being a part of All-Star Weekend has always been a dream of mine,” Quinn began. “Being part of the All-Star whatever, the three points, just being there should be fun … I’m excited to compete.”

Then a moment from his childhood immediately fueled his competitive fire.

“Dunk contest,” smiled the Queen, “with Aaron Gordon and Zach LaVine.

That iconic showdown between Gordon and LaVine in 2016 is considered one of the greatest slam dunk contests in NBA history. Fast forward to the present, and the Queen’s drive shifts to a more immediate, personal challenge.

“I’m going to try to keep (Jeremy Fears) safe and hopefully he’ll try to keep me safe,” Quinn said. “I’ll try to fry it.”

There’s no denying the confidence level of the Queen’s Rookie of the Year. This trip to LA isn’t all about participation; it’s about dominating the moment and turning heads in a game that often serves as a launching pad for future stars. Things should pick up once both rookies return to New Orleans, though.

“I feel like that means we have a good foundation right now,” Quinn boasted. “We’re just going to keep building, we’re going to keep getting better, and we’re going to make the actual (NBA All-Star) game next year.”

For the Pelicans, that confidence is consistent with the organizational bet they made on the Maryland alum’s development curve. For Queen, All-Star weekend serves as both a mirror and a measuring stick. It’s also a reminder of the moments that inspired the 21-year-old and a preview of the level he expects to reach.