After their 95-81 loss Wednesday night to the Oklahoma City Thunder, the New Orleans Pelicans fell to 0-4 in the 2025 NBA summer league. That being said, summer league isn't about wins and losses; it's more about development and getting a preview of the rookies you just drafted.
During the Pelicans' time in Vegas, Micah Peavy and Derik Queen have both had big games, showcasing why Joe Dumars drafted them. For Peavy, it came in the summer league opener, and for Queen, it was Tuesday night vs the Trail Blazers. However, for Jeremiah Fears, we were all waiting to see him have a big game, and he did Wednesday night against OKC.
Fears dropped 22 points, grabbed 6 rebounds, and dished out 6 assists. This was by far his best game, as he also shot an efficient 8-for-15 from the field.
Despite having his best game yet, Fears' biggest skill has been on display all summer long. It's not his shooting, finishing ability, defense, speed, or playmaking; rather, it's his confidence.
During his time in Vegas, he has had his fair share of poor shooting performances. In game one, he went 4-for-12 from the field against the Timberwolves. In game two, he shot an abysmal 5-for-21 from the field against Bronny James and the Lakers, and in game three versus Portland, he went 6-for-11 from the field.
Despite some tough shooting nights and accumulating 20 turnovers during summer league, his confidence has never wavered. He is still able to come out every night and play with 'zero fears', not worrying about what the critics are going to say if he makes or misses the next shot.
Confidence is something you can't teach
Over my many years of watching the NBA, I don't think I've ever seen a rookie play this loose in summer league. A lot of the time, you can tell right away when a young player is nervous or scared to make a mistake. With Fears, I never got that impression.
This is an extremely positive sign for the Pelicans staff, as confidence is just something that can't be taught. It's not like scoring, defense, or playmaking, it's just something you can't teach. The fact that Fears' confidence is already sky high is a great sign, as his game is only going to continue to grow over the years. Pairing his level of confidence with a couple of years of NBA training and coaching, the league better watch out.
So, while many people will point to Fears' inefficient shooting and turnovers during his time in the summer league, I point to the way he responds. The way he keeps going unfazed after each missed shot or bad pass. Jeremiah Fears is going to be a star, and it all starts with his confidence.