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Pelicans need Derik Queen to start forcing Jamahl Mosley’s hand

If Derik Queen is going to get the developmental minutes he needs, he needs to earn them.

By Jack Simone · Pelican Debrief

Published: Thursday, 22 October 2026 at 3:28 AM

Key Things to Know

Writer Jack Simone argues that Derik Queen must earn regular playing time by improving his consistency.
Derik Queen played just 18 minutes off the bench in the Pelicans' season-opening loss to Indiana.
Queen posted a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds while shooting 6-of-6 from the foul line.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Pelican Debrief's Jack Simone argues that New Orleans Pelicans big man Derik Queen must earn more developmental minutes under Jamahl Mosley. Following New Orleans' season-opening defeat to the Indiana Pacers, Simone highlighted that Queen was limited to just 18 minutes and five seconds of playing time off the bench.

Queen recorded 10 points and 10 rebounds but made critical late errors, including fouls and a turnover against Tyrese Haliburton. The writer contends that the 21-year-old must clean up mistakes on both ends to gain the coaching staff's trust.

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Pelicans need Derik Queen to start forcing Jamahl Mosley’s hand

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