All Scorched Roads Led to the Big Easy

All burning roads have led to this ultimate path. This was always the end goal and I was going to scorch the Earth to get there if I had to. On May 13th, 2026 I burned $3,468 average sales price worth of my prized Derik Queen moments in an auction to win the grand prize of a 1 of 1 Signature Series Derik Queen ultimate moment on NBATopShot. While keeping all of my special serial #1's, jersey serials, and perfect serials of my Rookie Revelation, Freshman Gems, Origins, and Rookie Debuts in tact, burning the mix of legendary, rare, and common random serials I have been stacking like a pancake museum all season long finally paid off. Owning the only mint of your favorite rookie on your favorite team that you have been beleiving in, rooting for, and watching since the day they got drafted is a euphoric feeling with massive meaning and significance. This Big Easy relic will have only graced my collection and will be a permanent resident within.

This moment in Derik Queen's blossoming rookie year means a great deal to me as his #1 collector and fan. Being a high school basketball coach and teacher, we just got out on holiday for Christmas break. I knew a few weeks of blissful and exciting New Orleans Pelicans hoops awaited for me. We hosted the Indiana Pacers , and DQ was having his best month as a rookie and was dominating in the starting lineup for our squad. After posting his first 33 point triple double, he was on a warpath in December, and Indiana would also be in wake of the destruction. The Big Easy crafted a midrange spin through the legs step back against Jay Huff and laced the shot on the Fleur-de-lis logo on our home court. It was probably the most memorable way the big man scored all season. The perfect mix of size, balance, touch, and skill into a massive 6'10 rookie. DQ went on to shoot a perfect 100% from the field registering 17 points, 10 rebounds, and a three from beyond the arc to cap off the overwhelming holiday victory. Fast forward 5 months later and this memior is soley in my collection.

All scorched roads led to The Big Easy.