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Alvarado's Blunt Advice for Pelicans' Queen
6 Jun
Summary
- Jose Alvarado advises Derik Queen to 'shut up and listen'.
- Queen faces pressure after Pelicans traded a first-round pick.
- Alvarado emphasizes learning from experiences for growth.

Jose Alvarado, a tenacious guard for the New York Knicks, has shared blunt advice with young New Orleans Pelicans center Derik Queen. Alvarado, who spent time with Queen during his rookie campaign, emphasized the importance of listening and learning from all experiences.
Alvarado's direct counsel to Queen was "shut up and listen," reflecting his own hard-earned journey in the NBA. He further elaborated that Queen should "be yourself" and focus on having a "great summer" as he approaches a significant second year in the league.
Queen, an NBA Finals contributor, faces immense pressure in New Orleans. The Pelicans controversially traded their 2026 first-round pick to acquire his draft rights, placing high expectations on the young center.
Despite the pressure, Queen expressed appreciation for Alvarado's wisdom, noting the Knicks player's ability to offer support. As Alvarado and the Knicks prepare for their next game, Queen will be focusing on his development and visualizing a successful sophomore season.