Maryland star Derik Queen claims he's best player in 2025 Draft, over Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper

The New Orleans Pelicans secured two first-round picks in the 2025 NBA Draft. With those selections, they chose Oklahoma’s Jeremiah Fears and Maryland’s Derik Queen — two players who each spent only one season at the college level. The Pelicans traded up to land Queen, a move that sparked major criticism from Bill Simmons.

“This is when I lost my mind, I think I blacked out," Simmons said. "This was one of the five dumbest trades of the decade. I was speechless. I just can't believe it."

Despite Simmons' take, Queen had a standout freshman season at Maryland, including a buzzer-beating game-winner in the Round of 32 to send the Terrapins to the Sweet Sixteen. A Baltimore native, Queen always dreamed of representing his hometown at the college level.

Many believe Queen has real star potential in the NBA. ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins even sees shades of an MVP-level big man in his game.

“Derik Queen has the potential of a Sengun/Baby Jokic — that's how skilled he is. Relentless on the glass,” Perkins said.

Queen hasn’t shied away from expressing confidence in his own abilities. During his introductory press conference, he boldly declared himself the best player in the 2025 NBA Draft class.

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“Definitely. I don't think anyone in that class is ever going to be better than me... Most of those guys I beat on in high school... Just beat on them next year and make Joe look like a genius,” Queen said.

If Queen lives up to his own words, he may not only silence Bill Simmons but also elevate the Pelicans' front office as the big winners of the 2025 draft. By claiming he's better than Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, and every other draftee, Queen has set high expectations — and he’s clearly not afraid to chase them.