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[Saba Sports News] Zion Williamson and Derik Queen are officially teammates in New Orleans—and the internet is having a field day.
During Wednesday’s NBA Draft, the Pelicans acquired the rights to Queen, the standout big man from Maryland.
Originally selected No. 13 overall by the Atlanta Hawks, Queen was dealt to New Orleans in exchange for the No. 23 pick and an unprotected 2026 first-rounder.
What grabbed the most attention wasn’t just the trade—it was Queen’s new frontcourt partnership with Zion Williamson.
Social media users quickly began cracking jokes about the pairing, given both players’ histories with weight and conditioning.
Queen, 20, is listed at 245 pounds and has previously opened up about his weight-loss journey, revealing he once tipped the scales at 262.
Meanwhile, Williamson has long faced scrutiny for his own conditioning, especially early in his career when he reportedly reached a much higher playing weight. He’s currently listed at 284 pounds, though off-court concerns continue to follow him.
Queen had a strong season at Maryland, averaging 16.5 points and 9.0 rebounds, and came through in key moments during the NCAA Tournament.
Still, with Williamson now serving as his veteran example, fans are already wondering what that influence might mean—both in terms of development and discipline.