Pelicans' Derik Queen Jokes He's 'Fat and Slow' in Response to Fan Sharing Concerns About His Future

Derik Queen is apparently still familiar with the scouting reports prior to being selected with the No. 13 pick in the 2025 NBA draft by the New Orleans Pelicans.

In response to a fan on X who expressed concerns about his long-term outlook, Queen jokingly asked if it has to do with him being "fat and slow?"

It is still the offseason so perhaps Queen isn't in peak physical condition at this point because training camps are still a few weeks away, but it could also be an indication of how he was viewed as a prospect.

Pre-draft scouting reports specifically cited Queen finishing in the bottom two in every athletic testing category during the 2025 scouting combine as a concern coming into the NBA.

Queen had a solid rookie season that would seem to assuage some of those doubts. The 21-year-old averaged 11.7 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game in 81 appearances for the Pelicans to earn a spot on the All-Rookie second team.