A training camp preview for New Orleans Pelicans center Derik Queen.
The New Orleans Pelicans kick off training camp in just a few weeks, which means it is time to start preparations for the season. As the roster comes into shape, it's important to take stock of where everyone is heading into camp.
Derik Queen is one of the most volatile players in the NBA. People seem to think he will either be an All-Pro or out of the league in a few years. While it wasn't perfect, it would be unfair to say that he didn't flash a ton of potential over his rookie season. Heading into year two, he has an idea of where he needs to work.
State Of His Career
Queen averaged 11.7 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists on 47.3/26.1/79.5 shooting splits as a rookie. That comes from a mix of starting and coming off the bench. As a starter, over 48 games, those numbers jump to 13.4 points, 8.1 rebounds and 4.6 assists on 49.8/32.7/78.5 shooting splits. It's not hard to see why people liked his rookie showing.
There is the potential that he becomes the motor of a modern NBA offense, but it looks like it will take a team finding the right pieces to build around him to make up for some of what he lacks in shooting and defense.
Where He Must Improve
It's unclear right now just how much Queen can fix his defense without a lot of work off the court, but that has been a goal of his and DeAndre Jordan's. It doesn't have to be immediate, but it will be very encouraging if he is able to at least make some strides in his sophomore campaign.
Outside of defense, Queen could also work on his efficiency as a scorer. He ranked in the 20th percentile for rim accuracy, 29th in mid-range and ninth in three-point. He doesn't need to be a three-level scorer, but he should at least start to focus on the rim first. Adding strength for defense will also help him there.
Best-Case Scenario For Training Camp
The absolute best-case scenario for him in camp would be to win back his starting job. Similarly to Jeremiah Fears, though, it may be hard to do with this team trying to be as competitive as possible. Not that those two can't be competitive, but their minutes were very much in the negative last season and they have a full lineup of veterans available to use.
Instead, Queen just needs to show that he has taken a jump this offseason in some way. Show off the work that was put in over the past few months and put everyone on notice.
