NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – NOVEMBER 22: Derik Queen #22 of the New Orleans Pelicans is defended by Mouhamed Gueye #18 of the Atlanta Hawks during the second half of a game at Smoothie King Center on November 22, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tyler Kaufman/Getty Images)
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Some NBA rookies, like Cooper Flagg, V.J. Edgecombe, and Rookie Of the Year favorite Kon Knueppel, are well-known by now.
Others are not necessarily big-time names, but deserve a mention.
In this two-part series, we’re taking a look at six rookies, who are performing better than expected.
Derik Queen, center – New Orleans Pelicans
Look, Queen became into the NBA carrying insane expectations due to trades completed by New Orleans’ front office. That was never fair to Queen to begin with, and that’s why it’s it’s been a pleasent surprise to see him excel with the Pelicans.
Queen is a gifted scorer (12.3 points), solid on the glass (6.3 rebounds), but more than anything, he’s proven to be a delightfully effective passer, who can make a lot of noise in that department, especially out of the high post.
His 3.6 assists is a strong sign of things to come, and he’s even been somewhat solid defensively, which was a red flag coming into the draft.
If the three-point shot ever comes along – and there’s quite the road ahead of him – the Pelicans are looking at a good one.
Ryan Kalkbrenner, center – Charlotte Hornets
When you’re 7’1, and knows how to move off the ball, odds are good your guards will find you. If not, look at Kalkbrenner as an example, because the 23-year-old knows what he’s doing.
In 16 games this season, all starts, the center has hit on 80.2% of his shot attempts. 31 of his 65 made shots have been dunks, and over 98% of his shots come from within 10 feet of the basket.
There’s value in just being big, and agile, and we’re seeing it with Kalkbrenner, who is making life much easier for Hornets guards.
The franchise has long been on the lookout for a new center, and one with some staying power. If this production is legitimate, Kalkbrenner should slide right in, and fill that need.
Will Richard, guard – Golden State Warriors
When you find a productive combo guard at #56, who is giving you real minutes in his debut season, you know you won the lottery.
Richard isn’t Steph Curry, but he’s enormously efficient, canning almost 55% of his shots, including 39% from behind the three-point line. His motor is high, and while he’s still searching for game-to-game consistency, his offensive game is both smooth, determined, and looks every bit like someone who find his NBA sea legs eventually.
The biggest question for Richard is whether or not he can handle point guard minutes. So far, he seems far more responsive to being just a scorer, which is just fine given where he was picked.
His sturdy 210-pound frame is extra intriguing, as it should allow him to further explore the possibility of becoming someone who pressures the rim, and gets to the foul line.
Unless noted otherwise, all stats via NBA.com, PBPStats, Cleaning the Glass or Basketball-Reference. All salary information via Spotrac. All odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/mortenjensen/2025/11/27/underrated-nba-rookies-queen-kalkbrenner–richard/
