Derik Queen on His Rookie NBA Journey, Cooper Flagg, and His Baltimore Roots

Derik Queen joins Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady on Cousins to reflect on his rookie NBA season, the transition to the league, and the people and experiences that helped shape his journey. Derik shares how LeBron James and James Harden inspired him growing up, what he learned playing alongside Cooper Flagg and Asa Newell on a stacked Montverde Academy team, and the conversations he and Flagg had about one day facing each other in the NBA. He also discusses adjusting to the physicality of the league, studying film to improve his game, and his goals heading into his sophomore season. Queen opens up about how growing up in Baltimore shaped him, leaving home for high school basketball in Florida, and the close relationship he shares with his mother. He also talks about adjusting to NBA money, his longtime relationship with Under Armour, and the importance of remembering where he came from as his career continues to grow. Plus, Derik reveals Shaquille O’Neal as his dream 1-on-1 matchup, shares his goal of opening a homeless shelter, and talks music with Vince and T-Mac, including the Baltimore rappers in his rotation. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:19 Derik Queen Joins The Cousins 01:31 Adjusting From High School & College To The NBA 06:17 What Inspired Derik Queen To Play Basketball 15:36 Playing On A Stacked Montverde Academy Team 23:30 Xfinity Court Connections 27:27 How Growing Up In Baltimore Shaped Him 30:26 Growing Up Fast After Leaving Home 32:35 Derik Queen’s Close Relationship With His Mom 35:04 Biggest Adjustment To Making NBA Money 36:30 Goals For Elevating His Game In Year Two 40:40 NHTSA Game Changing Decisions 43:42 Dream 1-On-1 Matchup 46:41 Derik Queen’s Passion To Open Homeless Shelter  49:23 Baltimore Rappers In Derik’s Rotation 53:01 Wrap Up Follow Cousins on Social Media:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vinceandtmac/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vinceandtmac X: https://x.com/VinceAndTmac Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VinceAndTMac/ Much love to our sponsors: Xfinity: Xfinity Shield is your defensive line at home and online with built-in WiFi protection features. Detect motion with your Xfinity Gateway, no cameras needed. Plus, your devices are protected from threats and risky sites the moment they connect. Get it now at xfinity.com/shield. https://www.xfinity.com/learn/deals/offers?cmp=BAC:NA:ACQ:BAUP:PRO:GEN:HIS:COM:DIG:wifishield:2377 NHTSA: Drunk driving changes your world. Drive sober or get pulled over. Paid for by NHTSA https://www.pledgetodrivesober.com/