Already author of a superb start to the season with the Pelicans, Derik Queen has squarely entered the “historic” category thanks to his performance last night against the Spurs.
33 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, 11/15 shooting and 11/13 free throws.
No, these are not Nikola Jokic’s stats, but those of Derik Queen against San Antonio. A historic performance because the young Pels player (20 years old) became the first rookie pivot to achieve a 30-point triple-double in the NBA.
CRAZY — Derik Queen is the 1st rookie center in NBA History to record a 30-point triple-double, per @realapp.
SPECIAL. 🔥🔥🔥 https://t.co/CwxrevvWl6 pic.twitter.com/bIfdK40dFT
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) December 9, 2025
Still in the “historical” department, Derik Queen also became the first rookie to finish in 30-10-10 with 4 bonus blocks since 1973 (date when blocks began to be counted). He is also the fifth player in history to achieve a 30-point triple-double before turning 21, joining LeBron James, Luka Doncic, De’Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama. Hello VIP circle.
Despite a missed game-winner at the end of the match, Derik Queen once again showed that he was not really a rookie like the others, he who was “only” selected as the 13th choice of the 2025 Draft. Does this justify Joe Dumars’ choice to sacrifice a 2026 first-round pick to get him back? Maybe not, but in any case the Pelicans have a gem in their hands.
Highlights of Derik Queen’s incredible match against Spurs 🎥pic.twitter.com/pGO7kWgorn
— TrashTalk (@TrashTalk_fr) December 9, 2025
