News Summary
The New Orleans Pelicans made strategic moves in the NBA Draft, selecting point guard Jeremiah Fears and center Derik Queen while trading for Jordan Poole and Saddiq Bey. Fears, a standout from Oklahoma, and Queen from Maryland bring youthful talent to the roster amidst a notable roster transition. The trades reflect the team’s commitment to building a dynamic lineup for future success, following the departure of veteran C.J. McCollum.
New Orleans – The New Orleans Pelicans took significant steps to shape their future during the 2025 NBA Draft, selecting point guard Jeremiah Fears with the 7th overall pick and center Derik Queen at No. 13. The Pelicans also made headlines by trading for shooting guard Jordan Poole and veteran guard Saddiq Bey, signaling a transition toward a younger, more dynamic roster.
Jeremiah Fears, a 6-foot-3 freshman from Oklahoma, comes into the league with notable accomplishments, averaging 17.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.6 steals per game in his single college season. He is touted for his elite ball-handling skills, quick first step, and scoring ability. However, concerns linger regarding his shooting proficiency; Fears struggled with a 28.4% shooting rate from three-point range during his freshman year. At 180 pounds, Fears is seen as somewhat undersized, suggesting it may take him a few years to translate his college success into consistently impactful performances in the NBA.
The Pelicans’ decision to draft Fears follows the recent trade of veteran guard C.J. McCollum to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Jordan Poole. This move not only bolsters the Pelicans’ backcourt depth but also signals a shift towards developing younger talent with the potential for significant impact in future seasons.
In addition to Fears, the Pelicans traded their 23rd pick along with an unprotected 2026 first-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks to select Derik Queen at No. 13. Queen, a 6-foot-9 center from Maryland, had a standout freshman season, averaging 16.5 points, 9 rebounds, and contributing 2.2 combined steals and blocks. Despite his impressive stats, concerns arise regarding Queen’s shooting ability, as he managed only a 20% success rate from three-point range in college. His size may also raise questions about his fit as a center in the NBA.
The trade involving the 2026 first-round pick could pose long-term issues for the Pelicans, particularly if the team does not perform well and that pick transforms into a top-10 selection in a highly regarded draft class. Analysts have described the decision to trade for Queen as “baffling,” given the potential consequences of losing such a valuable asset.
Furthermore, the Pelicans acquired veteran guard Saddiq Bey in the same trade that sent McCollum to Washington. Bey is expected to make a full recovery from a torn ACL that sidelined him for the previous season and is anticipated to be available for the start of the 2025-26 season. This infusion of talent, both young and experienced, underscores the Pelicans’ aim to enhance offensive capabilities and re-energize their roster.
The 2025 NBA Draft night proved to be a busy one across the league, with eight trades reported, reflecting a high level of activity among franchises seeking to improve their rosters. The Pelicans’ executive vice president of basketball operations, Joe Dumars, shared enthusiasm about the acquisitions of Fears and Queen, highlighting the franchise’s bold strategy moving forward.
As the Pelicans reposition themselves, the team’s overall draft strategy remains a topic of discussion. In a fiercely competitive Western Conference, the Pelicans struggled last season, leaving many to ponder whether the new acquisitions will provide the necessary boost to return the team to playoff contention. With their latest moves, the Pelicans appear committed to nurturing young talents while balancing the experience needed to foster growth, marking a pivotal moment in the franchise’s trajectory.
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HERE Resources
Pelicans Draft Oklahoma Guard Jeremiah Fears
Additional Resources
- WWLTV
- Wikipedia: NBA Draft
- NOLA
- Google Search: 2025 NBA Draft
- NYTimes
- Encyclopedia Britannica: NBA
- Chicago Sun-Times
- Google News: Pelicans 2025
