News Summary
The New Orleans Pelicans made a significant move in the NBA Draft by selecting Oklahoma guard Jeremiah Fears with the 7th overall pick. Following a challenging season, the franchise is looking to rebuild and enhance its roster. Fears, known for averaging 17.1 points per game in his freshman year, has generated excitement among fans. Additionally, the Pelicans executed a trade with the Atlanta Hawks to acquire the 13th pick, where they selected Maryland center Derik Queen. These selections aim to revitalize the Pelicans’ performance in the upcoming season.
New Orleans – In a bold move during the 2025 NBA Draft, the New Orleans Pelicans selected Oklahoma guard Jeremiah Fears with the 7th overall pick. This decision comes as the franchise aims to rebuild and enhance its roster following a challenging season.
Fears, standing at 6-foot-4, made a significant impact during his freshman year at Oklahoma by averaging 17.1 points, 4.1 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game. His exceptional performance saw him become one of the most talked-about players in the draft, particularly noted for leading the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in both free throws made (183) and attempted (215). Fears’ dynamic playing style and clutch performances have had observers excited about his potential to contribute to the Pelicans.
In addition to securing Fears, the Pelicans made a strategic trade with the Atlanta Hawks, moving up to the 13th pick in the draft. This trade involved sending the No. 23 pick along with an unprotected first-round pick for 2026 to the Hawks. With their 13th overall selection, the Pelicans picked Maryland center Derik Queen, who is 6-foot-9 and weighs 240 pounds. Queen displayed remarkable aptitude in college, averaging 16.5 points and 9 rebounds per game, which earned him the title of Big 10 Freshman of the Year.
This draft is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first under Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars, who stepped into the role in April following the dismissal of David Griffin. Dumars aims to establish a younger and faster backcourt, especially after the recent trade of CJ McCollum to the Washington Wizards, which brought in player Jordan Poole and various assets. The Pelicans are looking towards a rebirth after finishing last season with a disappointing record of 21-61, the franchise’s second-worst historical performance. Despite this setback, they managed to maintain a 7th pick in the draft after slipping in the lottery.
Fears is anticipated to fill the backcourt void left by Dejounte Murray, currently recovering from an Achilles injury. He emphasizes leadership and winning as integral components of his gameplay, promising exciting performances for Pelicans fans in the seasons to come. Meanwhile, Queen’s addition is viewed as a boost to the team’s frontcourt, providing a versatile skill set on both offense and defense, which he is eager to showcase.
As the Pelicans continue to navigate this transitional phase, the 2025 NBA Draft is being viewed as potentially franchise-altering. With the dual selection of such promising young talent in Fears and Queen, the franchise hopes to set a new direction focused on fostering a competitive and dynamic team for the upcoming season and beyond.
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Additional Resources
- NOLA: Pelicans Draft Jeremiah Fears with No. 7 Pick
- NBA: Pelicans Hawks Derik Queen Trade
- SI: Pelicans Draft Jeremiah Fears
- Google Search: Jeremiah Fears NBA Draft
- WWLTV: Pelicans Select Jeremiah Fears
- Encyclopedia Britannica: NBA Draft
