Pelicans’ Joe Dumars Responds to Criticism Surrounding Rookie Class

Joe Dumars, the president of basketball operations for the Pelicans, found some humor while addressing the chatter from “naysayers” regarding New Orleans’ rookie class for 2025.

The Pelicans have faced backlash after deciding to trade away an unprotected first-round pick in next year’s draft to the Hawks.

During a press conference on Saturday to introduce the new rookie class, Dumars expressed his confidence in the team’s draft choices.

“I’ve recognized the naysayers for a long time. Now, we’re making our own path. We won’t follow anyone else’s script. These are the players I truly wanted as Pelicans,” Dumars stated.

Dumars also emphasized that the Pelicans focused on acquiring players with strong basketball intelligence.

“We’re looking for smart, competitive, and tough players. That’s who we are. Players with high basketball IQ don’t need coaching on how to play together,” he remarked.

Derrick Queen, who was selected 13th overall by the Pelicans, noted that external opinions served as extra motivation for him entering the league. He aims to prove himself as a smart choice for the team.

“Honestly, I’m not focused on others in the draft. I’m confident in myself—I aim to silence the noise,” Queen said. “Dumars has faith in me, and while I know the NBA is a different level, I keep striving to improve and remain grounded.”

“No doubt in my mind… I plan to outperform others from my draft class and show that Joe made a wise choice,” Queen added.

The 6-foot-9 center averaged 16.5 points, nine rebounds, and 2.2 steals and blocks during his freshman season at Maryland.

Despite the potential of their new recruits, the Pelicans’ decision to let go of next year’s first-round pick in exchange for Queen has faced criticism. Some, like Ringer’s Bill Simmons, have labeled it as “one of the worst decisions of the last decade.”

The Pelicans wrapped up the 2024-25 season with a disappointing record of 21-61, failing to make the playoffs.