Unique skillset of Derik Queen setting up NBA Draft stock intrigue

Maryland center Derik Queen has become one of the most polarizing NBA Draft prospects this season, with questions and answers on a variety of areas playing out throughout the season. As the offseason begins, the intrigue in where the unique big man lands continues to grow.

A former five-star prospect who ranked No. 14 in the 2024 class, according to On3’s Industry Rankings, Queen has turned into a first-round lock with a range anywhere between the Top 10 and the final picks of the night depending on who you ask.

At 6-foot-10, the offensively-gifted center prospect has plenty in his game to break down, from a developing skillset to questions about his age – even as a true freshman. How teams feel about the answers which have come and will continue to be answered over the coming months, will ultimately determine where Queen lands.

The best of Derik Queen

The highlights of Derik Queen will leave any viewer ready to put the ball in his hands, from play-making at the top of the key to an NCAA Tournament buzzer-beater off the dribble. There is no shortage of offensive upside in his game.

As a freshman, he averaged 16.5 points and 9.0 rebounds, adding 1.9 assists. With shooting splits of 52.6-percent from the field, 20-percent from 3, and 76.6-percent on free throws, he put up one of the best freshman campaigns on that end of the floor.

The Maryland center excels with great footwork on the interior, creating space to get off a number of creative shots around the rim. He has also expanded that out to the midrange at times, although the 3-point shot did not come through this season.

His ability to facilitate offense will also intrigue NBA teams, which have found plenty success putting the ball in the hands of a center with good vision. This allows guards to use the ball-handler for screens, cutting to the basket or into open space.

With plenty upside and a competitive streak which has served him well in mismatches and helped him put up big rebounding numbers, growth of his game is sure to help his fit. The right teammates could complement his strengths and lead to big numbers early in his career.

Questions on the board

The biggest question which has faced Derik Queen since he committed to Maryland is age, despite him being one year into his college career. It is often referenced that the 20-year old is still older than Illinois junior Kylan Boswell and a few days younger than two-year NBA pro GG Jackson.

In a league where age is often considered an important factor of potential, this fact could limit his upward mobility artificially. Among the reasons for Dalton Knecht’s NBA Draft slide in 2024, age was mentioned.

Beyond the things Queen cannot control, the curse which comes along with his unique offensive skillset is the need to dominate possession to maximize production. Committing to him on the floor could mean a commitment to taking the ball out of other players’ hands.

The other area for improvement comes on the defensive end. While he has proven to be disruptive with 2.2 stocks per game, he does not provide rim protection or engaged off-ball defense at a level needed to participate in regular pick-and-roll coverages against NBA guards.

Like all NBA Draft prospects, it is a mixed bag on the way into the league. But the potential is high for Queen and some team is going to bet big on hitting their future big.