Derrick Queen was one of the best centers in the 2025 NBA Draft, and his March madness solidified his position as an elite outlook.
In the 2025 NBA Draft, the only guarantee appears to be the Cooper Flag’s first overall move. Rutgers’ Dylan Harper is second on most draft boards, but the Scarlet Knights finished 15-17 in the season and missed the NCAA Tournament. Most people still have Harper and Ace Bailey near the top, but there are plenty of high-level players who will be chosen early.
Maryland’s Derrick Queen is one of the best centers in the draft. He and Duke’s Kaman Mallach have been closer to the top of the draft board throughout the season, but Queen appears to shine when the lights are brightest, highlighted by a 31-point outing against Michigan in the Big 10 Conference Tournament.
After an overwhelming 2024 draft class, the 2025 rookie is poised to be the best in recent memory, and if the Queen lands in the right situation, it could have an impact on winning from day one. He will likely be a lottery pick, but will fall outside the top seven.
- Age/Date of Birth: 20 (December 27, 2004)
- nationality: Americans
- Height/Weight: 6ft 9, 246lbs
- College: Maryland Terrapin
- Career statistics: 16.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.1 steel, 1.1 blocks, 52.6 fg%, 20 3pt%
- NCAA Tournament Statistics: 18.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.7 steel, 1.3 blocks, 50 fg%, 42.9 3pt%
- Best career: 31 points (Michigan State vs. 20 rebounds (Manhattan vs.), 5 assists (Rutgers vs. Villanova)
- NBA comparison: Zach Randolph, the poor man
The Queen lives in a big moment. He sent out Colorado packaging in the 32nd round of the NCAA Tournament, hitting the first buzzer beater of March’s insanity.
He stood up on the opportunity with Wolverine in the Big 10 tournament, but Terrapin was short on a single point. Obviously he’s ready for the pressure that comes with being in the NBA, and his high school stint at Mount Verde Academy should portray a good forewarning for him.
Outside of his distinct mental strength, the Queen boasts an insane physicality in the tiny central part. He can work in the post like the best player of a bygone era and has the tools to make the floor a space.
He is also an underrated playmaker. When the defense collapses, he has no problem kicking the ball. In colleges where three-point shooting is not automatic, his assist numbers don’t tell the entire story, but when he’s surrounded by the wings of the elite NBA, he should be able to make the most of it.
Standing at 6 feet 9, the Queen doesn’t have the size needed to become an NBA center, but concerns are kept to a minimum as players like Draymond Green and Randolph have managed to overcome what is lacking in height.
If the shot doesn’t appear, he becomes a very one-dimensional player on attack, but most backup centers should not ruin his career.
The biggest concern is surrounding his lack of athletic ability. He cannot meet players on the rims, and is unable to acquire the above defenders, and instead chooses to pass through them. Even Randolph and DeMarcus’ cousins did well, but they played in an era when the host allowed some sort of physicality.
For Queen to have a long NBA career, he must move the post to improve his shooting and to better throw out the defender. If he can fix any of these concerns, expect him to become a solid player despite some defensive issues caused by his lack of height.
In an ideal world, Queens are drafted as backup centres and play spots in either elite shot blockers or floor space. If the Utah Jazz decides to trade John Collins, the Queen can fit, but the draft lottery should be at a disadvantage as Utah is likely to use the pick on top five players.
If the Indiana Pacers keep Miles Turner, then the only healthy centers on their roster at this time are Tony Bradley and Thomas Bryant. Queen was both upgrades, giving Tyrees Halliburton another option while sharing the floor well with Turner.
Of course, the best bet is the San Antonio Spurs. After trading Zach Collins for the Chicago Bulls at the De Aaron Fox Deal, the Spurs enter next season with Victor Wenbagnama on their sole contract. They could re-sign Charles Bassy, Bismack Bijombo, or Sandro Mamkerashvili, and perhaps bring back one of those players, but the Spurs are the best option for the Queen.
The college star plays best on floor spacers or shot blockers, and Wenbagnama is best in both the league.