Derik Queen Sends Timely Message After Catching Brutal Jab from Falcons’ Admin After Saints Defeat

New Orleans Pelicans rookie Derik Queen was quick to reply after being mentioned by the Atlanta Falcons on X. The Falcons defeated the New Orleans Saints 24-10 on Sunday.

After the game, the team's official X account reacted to the win by mentioning Queen on social media. The post comes after the rookie caught flak from Atlanta fans for throwing down a dunk during the last moments of Saturday’s Pelicans-Hawks matchup.

Here is Derik Queen’s reply to the Falcons on X:

“Jan 7th, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. central time.”

derik queen

@derikqueen1

Jan 7th, 2026 at 6:30pm central time.

Queen’s reply mentions the next Pelicans-Hawks matchup. The No. 13 pick in this year’s draft has come to life in New Orleans, averaging 12.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists, shooting 48.8%. The rivalry between the player and the city stems from Atlanta’s decision to trade Queen on draft night.

He recorded 20 points, nine rebounds and three assists in Saturday's loss. He will look to build on his performance when the Pelicans face the Atlanta Hawks in January.

The Saints fell to 2-9 for the season following Sunday's loss against the Falcons and are last in the NFC South. Meanwhile, Derik Queen and the Pelicans are not doing much better, with only two wins through their first 17 games of the 2025-26 season.

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Derik Queen is averaging more than 23 points in a bigger role

The New Orleans Pelicans have struggled in the 2025-26 season, but rookies Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen have been a bright spot for the team. Queen has started New Orleans' last three games, recording 23.3 points, 8.3 rebounds and 6.0 assists, shooting 53.1%.

His stellar play could see him become a regular starter for the Pelicans. He has started five out of 17 games this season. Meanwhile, Fears continues to establish himself as one of the best guards in this class with averages of 15.4 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists.

Fears is also enjoying an expanded role in light of injuries to veteran guards DeJounte Murray and Jordan Poole. The rookies have been stellar as they navigate a tumultuous season following the firing of head coach Willie Green.

The Pelicans decided to part ways with Green on Nov. 14 following a 2-10 start to the season. James Borrego has stepped in as the team's interim head coach.