Derrick Queen’s “Courage” eases the pressure for 2026

A reshuffled roster, an early-season coaching change and a fan base eager for tangible progress created an unforgiving environment, especially for a rookie still learning. However, according to James Borrego, Derrick Queen is tuning the static to become the next face of the New Orleans Pelicans.

The Queen’s pick at No. 13 overall in the 2025 NBA Draft was met with skepticism, not only for the player, but also for the staggering price the Pelicans paid. To move up ten spots and challenge the Maryland big man, executive vice president of basketball operations Joe Dumars relinquished control of the team’s first-round pick in 2026. From day one, the shadow of that future transaction loomed over Quinn’s rookie season, a constant reminder of the expectations placed on his 21-year-old shoulders.

Fortunately, Borrego believes there’s no question Queen has vindicated the franchise’s expensive gamble.

“To (the Queen’s) credit, he has, and that shows me that he doesn’t play with that pressure. He stays true to the integrity and character of who he is,” Borrego said. “I think that’s what he shows us. He competes every night. I don’t feel like whenever he’s on the floor he’s playing with pressure on his shoulders.”

That freedom was evident in the Queen’s approach. He plays with determination, attacks windows that others might hesitate to exploit, and rarely seems rattled by mistakes. For Borrego, it’s that mindset that defines Quinn’s early success, not outside noise about the draft pick’s value.

“There’s a joy and a freedom that he plays with. I think that’s what makes him special. He’s willing to take those risks and live with (the results). I don’t think there’s any pressure to perform until a certain pick (slot) in the draft. He just plays the game the way he sees it,” Borrego noted. “It’s integrity, it’s character, and he’s done a great job in that area. From the outside noise, there’s been a little bit of finger-pointing. To me, he’s handled it very maturely.”

On New Year’s Eve, Quinn averaged 13.1 points, seven rebounds, four assists and 1.9 steals/blocks while taking on different responsibilities. The stats, however, are almost secondary to the intangible energy and fearlessness he brings to a Pelicans franchise desperate for offensive creation. That maturity is most clearly manifested when the lights are at their brightest.

Quinn has already logged critical fourth-quarter minutes in several close games, showing a knack for big plays that belies his age.

“Just the composure that (Kraljica) showed, and the poise under pressure. He had some moments of real pressure out there and he delivered. You know it’s not perfect, but he delivered a lot of times. I love the courage he plays with,” added Borrego. “That he’s willing, and sometimes it drives me a little crazy because he’s a little too bold and risky, but the courage to try to play and believe in himself. That’s not easy for a young guy, so there are a lot of bright spots.”

That courage, even when it occasionally frustrates his coach, represents exactly what the Pelicans value in their young core. In a league where confidence can be fragile and outside voices grow louder by the day, Queen has silenced the noise and focused on development. That’s something New Orleans can celebrate as it waits for victories.