Derik Queen Responds to Falcons’ Social Media Jab, Eyes Jan. 7 Showdown With Hawks
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NEW ORLEANS — New Orleans Pelicans rookie center Derik Queen has circled Jan. 7, 2026 on his calendar after the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons referenced him in a post celebrating their 24-10 victory over the New Orleans Saints.
With 57 seconds left in Sunday’s game at Caesars Superdome, Falcons defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro sacked Saints quarterback Tyler Shough, sealing the win. Atlanta’s social media account posted video of the play with the caption, “Marked safe from Derik Queen,” linking the NBA first-year player to the long-standing sports rivalry between the two cities.
Queen quickly reposted the message on X, adding the date and 6:30 p.m. CT tipoff time of the Pelicans’ next meeting with the Atlanta Hawks. That contest at Smoothie King Center will be the second and final regular-season matchup between the clubs.
The 21-year-old entered the league last June when New Orleans sent the No. 23 pick in the 2025 NBA draft and an unprotected 2026 first-rounder to Atlanta for the Hawks’ No. 13 selection, used to take the former Maryland Terrapins standout. Queen referenced that draft-night deal while responding to Grok AI’s explanation of the Falcons’ post, writing, “They traded me on draft night.”
Atlanta claimed the first meeting of the season on Saturday, defeating the Pelicans 115-98 in New Orleans. Queen posted 20 points, nine rebounds and two steals, his third consecutive 20-point performance. According to ESPN Research, he is the first Pelican with three straight 20-point outings since Zion Williamson achieved the feat during the 2019-20 campaign.
Both Atlanta teams left New Orleans with victories over the weekend, sparking additional online banter. The January game will decide the season series and could give Queen a chance to answer the Falcons’ dig on the court.
Source: ESPN
