The current class of New Orleans Pelicans rookies has been a breath of fresh air. Derik Queen is already shaping up to be a rising star, offering New Orleans a dynamic array of contributions as he quickly emerges as a new cornerstone of the franchise.
Not to be overshadowed, rookie guard Jeremiah Fears gives the Pelicans every reason to continue working to bounce back from a terrible start to the season.
Fears, 19, has become a fish out of water for the association. The No. 7 overall selection in the 2025 NBA Draft makes his presence known on both ends of the court, excelling as a scorer and ball hawk while operating as both a starter and reserve.
While some may question what Fears’ ideal position and role really is, he’s proving early in his rookie season that he’ll find a way to contribute no matter how he’s used.
After fifteen appearances, the rookie is averaging 15.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.1 three-point field goals per game. He does this while converting at a relatively efficient clip of .449/.327/.833.
Box score aside, Fears is performing at a level that many of his peers are struggling to reach quickly – and at 19 years old, his untapped potential is monumental.
Jeremiah Fears proves that Pelicans have a bright future worth fighting for
Fears not only produces at a high level, but also rivals the best of his fellow rookies. On a per-game basis, he ranks first among first-year players in steals, No. 4 in points, No. 9 in three-point field goals made, No. 10 in assists and No. 15 in rebounds.
That alone would provide reason for optimism, but it’s what Fears does late in games that should get the Pelicans excited about his star potential.
Fears ranks No. 1 among first-year players with 5.6 points per fourth quarter. He is shooting 55.1 percent from the field during the last frame of regulation, positioning himself as a scoring option who is both willing and able to step up when the pressure mounts.
New Orleans may be losing games, but Fears is still proving he’s up for the challenge to thrive when it matters most.
It’s also worth noting that the only other rookie averaging more than 5.0 points per fourth quarter is Queen. That gives the Pelicans a dynamic rookie duo unlike any other in the NBA, with versatility and readiness for the moment that the franchise cannot ignore.
With veterans unusually out of shape, it may only be a matter of time before the perfect storm starts brewing.
Trey Murphy III struggled early, but is now coming into his own – shooting 2.9 percent better from beyond the arc when Fears is on the court. Zion Williamson, meanwhile, averages more points, rebounds and assists per 75 possessions when the rookie is playing.
The Pelicans are lost at sea at 2-13, but Fears continues to play hard and gives the Pelicans reason to believe they can right the ship.
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