Maryland’s Derik Queen didn’t waste much time before updating his LinkedIn profile at the 2025 NBA Draft.
After the Pelicans traded up to select the 20-year-old center, Queen posted his new job on the professional networking website — and the internet had a field day with it.
“I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as a Professional Basketball Player at New Orleans Pelicans!” Queen wrote, adding, “Can’t wait to touch down in New Orleans and meet the fans!”
New Orleans traded the No. 23 pick and an unprotected 2026 first-rounder to the Hawks for the No. 13 pick — a move that NBA analyst Bill Simmons said left him speechless and blacked out.
During his podcast with “The Ringer” on Thursday, Simmons called it “one of the top five dumbest trades of this decade.”
Before selecting Queen, the Pelicans took Oklahoma point guard Jeremiah Fears at No. 7.
The team leaned into the buzz and reposted Queen’s LinkedIn update on X.
“Derik Queen’s draft night schedule: 1. Get Drafted 2. Updated LinkedIn,” the team said, adding a crying-laughing emoji.
The 6-foot-9 center averaged 16.5 points, 9 rebounds and 2.2 combined steals and blocks in his freshman season at Maryland.
Queen said he spoke the Pelicans “the most” during his pre-draft process.
“I’m pretty close with [Pelicans GM] Troy Weaver’s son [Troy Weaver Jr.] so I used to call him and just make jokes with him about me going to the Pelicans, but I’m excited to finally be a Pelican,” Queen said Wednesday night at the draft.
He added that he can bring a winning mentality and be a versatile asset to New Orleans on both sides of the ball.
Queen explained that it “means a lot” to him that the Pelicans traded up to spots to take him.
“I’m just ready to show them why they got their money’s worth and I’m just ready to put on for the Pelicans,” he said.