Joe Dumars admits he sacrificed the 2026 draft to get Derrick Quinn back
During last June’s draft, the Pelicans pulled off a surprise by sending their 23rd pick and their first-round pick in 2026 to the Hawks to move up to 13th and be able to select Derrick Queen.
Joe Dumars decision has been heavily criticized as the 2026 vintage promises to be filled with many expected talents such as AJ Dibantsa, freshly authored game with 28 points in the NCAAor even Cameron Boozer, one of Carlos’ sons.
But after more than a month of the regular season, Derrick Quinn’s performances are, for now, very interesting, as the young pivot emerges his first career triple-doublehe managed against the Spurs with 33 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. In the first 25 games of his career, the former Maryland native averaged 12.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.9 assists, earning the nickname Baby Jokic.
A successful debut that in any case convinces Joe Dumars of the idea that he made the right decision in the last draft: “I realized that most of the talk in the NBA revolves around draft picks and things like that. I’m trying to build an identity here with some very good young players and I had to give up some draft picks to do that. I love the two young players we have.”
Fundamental parts for the future
Besides Derrick Quinn, New Orleans also recovered Jeremiah Fears during the last draft, with the 7th pick. A promising duo who have quickly settled into James Borrego’s starting five.
Even if the Pelicans are currently in last place in the NBA, with just 3 wins and 22 losses, Joe Dumars is counting on his young duo to prepare for the future.
“We looked at the lottery and said, ‘It would be great to get those two, but it might cost us.’ Pelikan’s general manager remembers. “But if you think they can actually be important parts of your long-term success, then that’s what you need to do. I know we paid full price, but we’re not unhappy.”
If, at this point, the Pelicans are happy with the return of Derrick Quinn, the pick could be problematic in the medium to long term. Because the franchise from Louisiana still gave in where it has a good chance to become a top 5 pick one of the most talented drafts in recent years…
| Derrick Queen | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saison | The team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | LF | Off | Def | That | Pd | Ft | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2025-26 | NO | 25 | 24:53 | 49.6 | 11.1 | 79.6 | 1.7 | 4.7 | 6.4 | 3.9 | 3.3 | 1.0 | 2.3 | 0.8 | 12.9 |
How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.
2025-12-11 08:43:00
