Derik Queen's rookie season has been nothing short of impressive. As he climbs to fourth in the NBA's rookie ladder, Queen has dazzled with his passing and scoring abilities, and he's beginning to show promise as a floor-spacer.
However, it's clear that he's not yet ready to take on the role of a starting center. Right now, Queen lacks the strength and elite rebounding and defensive instincts required for that position.
The New Orleans Pelicans might be kicking themselves for missing out on Jarrett Allen at this year's trade deadline. Allen would have been an ideal long-term center to pair with Queen, offering the perfect blend of rebounding and shot-blocking skills.
In Saturday's win over Philadelphia, with DeAndre Jordan starting at center, it was evident that Queen thrives when paired with a dominant big man. This setup allows Queen to focus on his offensive game while giving the Pelicans a much-needed boost on the boards, an area where they currently struggle, ranking fifth-worst in rebounds allowed per game.
Allen seemed like the perfect fit for New Orleans, but his recent performances have likely solidified his place in Cleveland.
Just before the trade deadline, reports suggested the Cavaliers were open to trading Allen. However, his synergy with James Harden over just six games has changed the landscape.
Allen has averaged 20.7 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 1.1 stocks (steals + blocks) while shooting a remarkable 75.4 percent from the field, leading the team to a 5-1 record. The pick-and-roll partnership with Harden, alongside Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley, has transformed the Cavaliers into a formidable force in the East.
Given this dynamic, it seems unlikely that Cleveland will entertain offers for Allen in the offseason as they did briefly at the trade deadline. Even if they do, the price will undoubtedly be steeper. For the Pelicans, this means exploring other options to find the right center to complement Derik Queen's talents.