The current class of New Orleans Pelicans rookies has been a breath of fresh air. Derik Queen is already looking the part of a rising star, providing New Orleans with a dynamic range of contributions down low as he quickly emerges as a new franchise cornerstone.
Not to be overshadowed, rookie guard Jeremiah Fears is giving the Pelicans every reason to keep working toward recovering from a dreadful start to the season.
Fears, 19, has taken to the Association like a fish to water. The No. 7 overall selection in the 2025 NBA Draft is making his presence known on both ends of the floor, excelling as a scorer and ball hawk while operating as both a starter and a reserve.
Though some have questioned what Fears' ideal position and role truly is, he's proving early in his rookie season that he'll find a way to contribute regardless of how he's utilized.
Through 15 appearances, the rookie is averaging 15.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.1 three-point field goals made per game. He's doing so while converting at a relatively efficient clip of .449/.327/.833.
Beyond the box score, Fears is performing at a level many of his peers are struggling to reach this quickly—and at 19 years of age, his untapped potential is monumental.
Jeremiah Fears proving Pelicans have a bright future worth fighting for
Fears isn't just producing at a high level, but rivaling the best of his fellow rookies. On a per-game basis, he ranks No. 1 amongst 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 offer reason for optimism, but it's what Fears is doing late in games that should have the Pelicans excited about his star potential.
Fears ranks No. 1 amongst first-year players with 5.6 points per fourth quarter. He's shooting 55.1 percent from the field during the final frame of regulation, thus establishing himself as a clutch 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 that he can take on the challenge of thriving 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 a readiness for the moment that the franchise can't ignore.
With veterans who have been uncharacteristically out of form, perhaps it's only a matter of time before the perfect storm begins to brew.
Trey Murphy III struggled early, but has begun to come into his own—and is shooting 2.9 percent better from beyond the arc when Fears is on the court. Zion Williamson, meanwhile, is averaging more points, rebounds, and assists per 75 possessions when the rookie is playing.
The Pelicans are lost at sea at 2-13, but Fears keeps playing hard and giving the Pelicans reason to believe they can right the ship.