Pelicans' Derik Queen makes basketball history not even done in NBA by Nikola Jokic
The New Orleans Pelicans may have struggled in the standings this season, but they have officially found a historic playmaker in their frontcourt. Rookie center Derik Queen, often burdened with the lofty nickname "Baby Jokic" during his collegiate days at Maryland, has proven the comparison is warranted by shattering a record that even Nikola Jokic himself could not claim. On Friday night, in just his 46th career game, Queen recorded his 200th career assist, becoming the fastest center to reach that milestone in the last 50 years.
To put this achievement into perspective, Nikola Jokic—widely considered the greatest passing big man in NBA history—did not reach this playmaking threshold with such velocity during his rookie campaign. While the Denver Nuggets superstar eventually revolutionized the position, his initial integration into the NBA offense was gradual. Queen, by contrast, has been handed the keys to the Pelicans' offense from Day 1. By eclipsing the pace of a three-time MVP, Queen has validated the front office's controversial decision to trade significant assets to acquire him in the 2025 NBA Draft.
The record highlights a skill set that is exceedingly rare for a first-year big man. Most rookie centers are tasked with rebounding and rim protection while they slowly develop offensive feel. Queen has inverted that timeline, arriving in the league with elite court vision and the ability to dissect defenses from the high post. Averaging over 4.4 assists per night, he is not simply moving the ball; he is manipulating defenses with a level of sophistication that usually takes a decade to master.
For New Orleans, this record offers a glimmer of hope amidst a rebuilding year. The "Baby Jokic" label is no longer just a hopeful projection; it is a statistical reality. Derik Queen has managed to do something unprecedented in the modern era, proving that while Nikola Jokic set the standard, the next generation is already racing to catch up. As Queen continues to rewrite the rookie record books, the Pelicans appear to have secured a franchise cornerstone capable of redefining the center position for years to come.
To put this achievement into perspective, Nikola Jokic—widely considered the greatest passing big man in NBA history—did not reach this playmaking threshold with such velocity during his rookie campaign. While the Denver Nuggets superstar eventually revolutionized the position, his initial integration into the NBA offense was gradual. Queen, by contrast, has been handed the keys to the Pelicans' offense from Day 1. By eclipsing the pace of a three-time MVP, Queen has validated the front office's controversial decision to trade significant assets to acquire him in the 2025 NBA Draft.
The record highlights a skill set that is exceedingly rare for a first-year big man. Most rookie centers are tasked with rebounding and rim protection while they slowly develop offensive feel. Queen has inverted that timeline, arriving in the league with elite court vision and the ability to dissect defenses from the high post. Averaging over 4.4 assists per night, he is not simply moving the ball; he is manipulating defenses with a level of sophistication that usually takes a decade to master.
For New Orleans, this record offers a glimmer of hope amidst a rebuilding year. The "Baby Jokic" label is no longer just a hopeful projection; it is a statistical reality. Derik Queen has managed to do something unprecedented in the modern era, proving that while Nikola Jokic set the standard, the next generation is already racing to catch up. As Queen continues to rewrite the rookie record books, the Pelicans appear to have secured a franchise cornerstone capable of redefining the center position for years to come.
