Nuggets Star Nikola Jokic Gives Big Compliment to Derik Queen After Pelicans Matchup

Derik Queen showed up big time against the Denver Nuggets and impressed Nikola Jokic, one of his all-time favorite players. The New Orleans Pelicans rookie stacked historic numbers in a 118-125 loss.

Queen recorded 30 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two steals in 30 minutes. He shot 66.6% from the field, becoming the first Pelicans rookie to put up those numbers while shooting 65%.

The Denver Nuggets superstar was clearly impressed. When a reporter asked Jokic about Queen, he heaped big praise on the rookie.

"He is good, you know. He has some moves," Jokic said. "He's definitely crafty, he's unorthodox, great touch around the infield for the game. It's good to see somebody different."

When asked if Queen reminded him of himself, Nikola Jokic quipped that he was taller than the Pelicans rookie.

"There is a lot of style I can see. Slow crafty."

Jokic was also asked if he felt weird watching a new generation of players copying him. Jokic humbly credited Queen and said that the Pelicans player was talented in his own way and they were two different players.

"He's an amazing player. You can see some similarities, but. ... I ... think he's good enough player to have his own story."

Queen was selected 13th in the 2025 NBA draft by the Atlanta Hawks. He was traded to the Pelicans on the same night. In 15 games in his rookie season, Queen has averaged 11.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.1 steals in 23 minutes.

Nikola Jokic records yet another triple-double, heading for another MVP season

This is yet another season that Nikola Jokic might get away with the MVP award. In 14 games, the Nuggets star has put up insane numbers, averaging a triple-double in yet another season, maintaining the Nuggets' second the West with an 11-3 record.

Leading the MVP race, Jokic is averaging 29.1 points, 13.2 rebounds and 11.1 assists, leading the league in both assists and rebounds. This is Jokic's second consecutive season in which he is averaging a triple-double.

On Wednesday, Nikola Jokic recorded yet another triple-double, 28 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists in 34 minutes. It was Jokic's ninth triple-double of the season. He has already had three triple-doubles this season.