With a rare mix of shot creation, 3-point shooting and playing, Naz Reid is one of the more unique big men in the NBA. The big man of the Minnesota Timberwolves won the sixth man of the year in the 2023-24 season. Although the skills of Reid are very unique, New Orleans Pelicans Rookie Derik Queen shares some similarities with Naz. The Pelicans exchanged the 13th choice to set up queen.
Just like Reid, Queen is a gifted shot with play carbonades. Queen’s 3-point shot is not nearly as polished as that of Reid; In particular, he only shot 20 percent from 3-point reach during his only season in Maryland. Yet Queen has flashed his advantage as a shooter and is certainly comfortable with shooting from outside the arch.
Given their similar skills and frames, Reid was a popular comparison for Queen during the concept cycle. When Queen only touches his NBA, it might look a lot like Reid.
The similarities between Reid and Queen
Queen was used at the university as an offensive hub. Although this will probably not be the role of Queen in the NBA, at least to start, his shot creation skills make him a perfect microwave that big man scores. Queen was in particular on average 16.5 points and led a powerful attack in Maryland. Queen also placed a +16.5 on/off -an offensive difference, which, according to Hoopexplorer, was in the 98th percentile.
With its size (6-foot-10, 247 pounds), Queen is a bruising of interior scorer. However, Queen also combines this with flexible handles and high -level court vision. His comfort level with the ball really stands out, both as a shot and playmaker. While Queen was a turnover sensitive, he also had an average of 1.9 assists and showed the ability to read well.
The modern NBA values Versatility. Queen’s versatility as a maker and playmaker will benefit him at the next level. This could borrow Queen to a sixth man -roll like Reid, or could eventually help him to blossom in a real star.
Shooting can be a swing skills for Queen; He shot 20 percent from 3-point country in one attempt per match. However, this was also an area in which Reid developed when he shot 33.3 percent of 3-point reach at LSU. He shot 33 percent from outside the bow in the same way like a rookie before he eventually flourished to become a deadly outsider. Queen could have a similar path as a shooter; He already looks comfortable with photography, which is a positive sign.
In general, Queen’s rare mix of size, shot creation and playmaker, with the advantage of developing as a shooter, is creepy similar to Reid. It will be interesting to see how impactful he will be like a rookie, but it is not denying the benefit of Queen and similarities with Reid.
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