New Orleans Pelicans Star Derik Queen Feeling Better After First Full Offseason

This is the second season in the NBA for New Orleans Pelicans big Derik Queen, but he's coming off his first real summer.

Queen injured his wrist in Summer League as a rookie, and it kept him sidelined until just before the season began. That context gets lost somewhat as people argue about what was really a very impressive rookie campaign.

The 21-year-old ended up playing in 81 games as a rookie, despite the lack of full preparation. He posted 11.7 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists on 47.3/26.1/79.5 shooting splits. Far from perfect, but just as far from disappointing.

Now, he has had a full summer and offseason (with added knowledge from his first season in the league) to put to use in getting ready for his sophomore year.

"I feel like I'm getting stronger, feel like I'm in way better shape. I just feel better, look better. I was always happy, but I definitely feel a difference," said Queen. "I'm just ready to get out there. It's been a long [five months]."  

A key area he has used this extra time in the offseason to work on has been his shooting. Queen was 23-for-88 from three last season. It wasn't frequent or consistent enough for defenses to really take him seriously and help with spacing.

Through the first two real chances to see this team in action (the St. Aug scrimmage and preseason opener), Queen has attempted two threes at the top of the key as a trailer. He missed the scrimmage shot and made the preseason one.

If that's a shot that teams have to take seriously, it could open up so much in the paint. Queen is smart enough with the ball in his hands to take advantage of that. 

One of the main reasons why the Pelicans need Queen to improve as a shooter is his potential fit with Zion Williamson. Their minutes together were unproductive last season, mostly due to the complete lack of spacing in that frontcourt. Williamson has been working on his shooting as well, but it's going to take a group effort.

"Bro, like [Zion has gravity]. He has two people trying to guard him. Has the paint packed. Then I'm gonna have to shoot some threes and stuff," said Queen. "He just draws so much attention." 

Queen was able to make it to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team last year, alongside Jeremiah Fears. This year, it's all about making it to the playoffs.

"Definitely making the playoffs. Like, we even had the talent last year. [We just had] slacking leadership, injuries, not closing out games and defense. So I feel like that's what coach [Jamahl Mosley] brings," said Queen.

The entire team is focused on making it to the postseason right now. That's why Queen might see a lesser role on a nightly basis and will likely begin the year on the bench, but there is a chance for him to greatly improve and play a key role on this team as it begins to win games. That role could also see him split more time between being a four and a five, but he's prepared for whatever the staff throws at him.

"It depends about the lineups, who's all in, but I don't really mind playing either [position]."