The basketball world was already buzzing about New Orleans Pelicans rookie Derik Queen heading into the NBA Finals. But what happened just before Game 2 has fans and insiders alike questioning whether we’re witnessing the birth of a superstar — and one prominent voice is leading the charge.
According to sources close to the situation, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith pulled Queen aside prior to tip-off and delivered an emotional, nearly one-minute monologue that had the rookie beaming. While the official footage from the NBA shows Smith gushing over Queen’s “magnetic smile,” those inside the arena say the exchange went far deeper than what the cameras captured.
“Stephen A. was practically teary-eyed,” one eyewitness allegedly told us. “He kept telling Derik that his smile could open doors — that it’s a weapon just as powerful as his jumper. It was surreal.”
The Smile That Could Save the Pelicans’ Future
Smith’s public comments — captured on the NBA’s official social media — were already explosive. “You can have a bad moment in a game, and I’mma go like this, ‘Damn, but I like him. I really like that guy. He got such a wonderful smile,’” Smith told Queen, adding: “Smiles are powerful. Keep it. And the game. Don’t lose the game.”
But behind the scenes, speculation is swirling that this kind of high-profile endorsement could accelerate Queen’s development — or put a target on his back. “When Stephen A. anoints someone, the pressure skyrockets,” an anonymous league insider warned. “Fans, teammates, even the front office — everyone starts expecting miracles.”
Queen’s Roller-Coaster Rookie Season
Queen entered the league amid massive expectations after the Pelicans traded the 23rd overall pick and an unprotected 2026 first-rounder to snag him at No. 13. He flashed glimpses of brilliance as a modern big man, even cracking the starting lineup mid-season. But a late-season fade saw him benched down the stretch — a move that reportedly frustrated the young phenom.
Despite the turbulence, Queen appeared in 81 games, averaging 11.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. Not bad for a 21-year-old, but insiders suggest the Pelicans are privately worried about his consistency.
“They love his personality — he’s a fan favorite in New Orleans — but they need more than a winning smile,” one team insider reportedly confided. “The playoffs exposed some flaws. Now it’s about whether he can evolve.”
What This Means Going Forward
Smith’s very public stamp of approval could be a double-edged sword. While it may boost Queen’s confidence and marketability, it also raises the bar for Year 2. Sources say Pelicans brass are cautiously optimistic but aware that Queen needs to add muscle and refine his defensive instincts to become the perennial All-Star fans are dreaming about.
Either way, one thing is clear: Derik Queen has officially arrived — and Stephen A. Smith just made sure the whole world is watching.
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