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Pelicans' Playoff Hopes Dwindle as Derik Queen's Performance Falters

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. windle-as-derik-queen-s-performance-falters.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, March 17th 2026 at 3:15 GMT by Sports Illustrated
      Locale: UNITED STATES

New Orleans, LA - March 17th, 2026 - The New Orleans Pelicans' playoff aspirations are facing a serious threat, and the declining performance of star center Derik Queen is rapidly becoming the focal point of the team's struggles. What began as a concerning dip in form has escalated into a full-blown crisis, leaving team officials and fans alike questioning the future of the once-promising player.

The Pelicans entered the 2025-2026 season with high hopes, fueled by a core of young talent and the expectation that Queen would continue his trajectory as a dominant force in the NBA. However, the reality has been starkly different. While the team showed flashes of brilliance early on, inconsistencies have plagued them, and Queen's individual decline has been a major contributing factor.

Over the past month, Queen's numbers have plummeted across the board. His scoring average has dropped by nearly ten points, his shooting percentage is down almost 15%, and his rebounding numbers - once a hallmark of his game - have noticeably diminished. Even more troubling is his defensive impact. Opponents are consistently attacking him in pick-and-roll situations, exploiting his lack of quickness and positioning. The Pelicans' defensive rating when Queen is on the court is now among the worst in the league, a dramatic shift from the defensive anchor he was expected to be.

Analysts point to several potential factors contributing to Queen's struggles. Some suggest a lingering injury, despite the team's insistence that he is fully healthy. Others theorize a loss of confidence, stemming from increased defensive attention and the pressure to perform at a high level. A recent article in HoopsHuddle highlighted a noticeable change in Queen's body language, suggesting a psychological component to his struggles.

"He just doesn't look like the same player," said ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith on a recent broadcast. "He's hesitating on drives, forcing passes, and generally lacking the aggression that defined his game last season. This isn't just a slump; it's a fundamental breakdown."

The impact on the Pelicans extends beyond Queen's individual statistics. His struggles have disrupted the team's offensive flow, forcing them to adjust their schemes and rely more heavily on perimeter players. This has made the offense predictable and easier to defend, further exacerbating the team's problems. The team's coach, Evelyn Hayes, has tried various line-up changes, hoping to spark a change, but nothing seems to be working.

Internally, discussions about Queen's future are becoming increasingly frequent. While the organization initially hoped that he would regain his form, a growing number of team executives are now openly contemplating a trade. However, a trade is complicated by Queen's hefty contract, which still has two years remaining at $32 million per year. His diminished value makes finding a suitable trade partner difficult, and the Pelicans may have to accept a significant loss in assets to move him.

"They're in a tough spot," said a source within the Pelicans organization, speaking on condition of anonymity. "They don't want to give up on a player they invested so much in, but they can't afford to let him continue to drag the team down. They're exploring all options, but a trade seems increasingly likely."

The trade deadline is fast approaching, and the Pelicans are under immense pressure to make a decision. Potential suitors for Queen are limited, but teams in need of a big man - like the Portland Trail Blazers and the Charlotte Hornets - could be willing to take a chance on him, hoping that a change of scenery will revitalize his career. However, the Pelicans may have to settle for a package of expiring contracts and draft picks, a far cry from the return they would have expected just a year ago.

The situation with Derik Queen is a cautionary tale about the volatility of the NBA and the challenges of building a sustainable contender. The Pelicans now face a difficult choice: continue to invest in a struggling player or cut their losses and move forward with a new direction. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining the fate of both Derik Queen and the New Orleans Pelicans.