Tim Duncan praised one of this season’s standout rookies, but it wasn’t the San Antonio Spurs’ draft pick.
The San Antonio Spurs have perhaps the most exciting young core in the NBA today, led by Victor Wembaneyama.
Last season, the Spurs acquired Stephon Castle and won Rookie of the Year. And they only strengthened that core this summer by drafting Dylan Harper and Carter Bryant.
Carter Bryant was impressive for the Spurs, but Dylan Harper didn’t have time to make an impact due to injury concerns.
But among these young rookies, Tim Duncan identified one New Orleans Pelicans player that actually caught his eye.
Derrick Queen had a great performance in the game between the New Orleans Pelicans and San Antonio Spurs, recording 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists.
Tim Duncan even texted Spurs commentator Antonio Daniels during the game about how much he enjoyed Queen’s game and style of play.
“Tim Duncan texted me…he said, ‘I really like that guy from Queen.'”
For a young player like Queen to catch Tim Duncan’s attention before any other Spurs player is a testament to how talented this young player is.
Duncan rarely co-signs players around the league, and even less often to players outside of the San Antonio Spurs. Therefore, Queen should be proud to have been able to earn this accolade.
For a player like Derrick Queen to make a name for himself so early in his career, it shows he has the potential to be a future superstar for the team.
Queen has grown under the tutelage of DeAndre Jordan, learning from one of the greatest and most athletic big men in the modern NBA.
But Queen will face a lot of pressure considering the Pelicans traded an unprotected pick to acquire him.
But if Queen can live up to the potential the Pelicans see in him, they won’t regret the trade in the future.