Jeremiah Fears and the New Orleans Pelicans, that’s the new combo fans are buzzing about. And honestly? It might be exactly what this team needs. The 2024–25 season is not exactly a highlight reel for the New Orleans Pelicans. They wrapped things up with the fourth-worst record in the league, which earned them the No. 7 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Not great, but not hopeless either.
Despite the rough ride, the Pelicans still have something many struggling teams don’t: a talented young core led by Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, and Herb Jones. But even with that trio, it was clear what they were missing: reliable playmaking and scoring from the backcourt. Enter Jeremiah Fears.
Meet Jeremiah Fears: Confident, Quick, and Ready to Run the Show
The Pelicans went with Fears in the draft, a fearless point guard out of Oklahoma known for his sharp scoring instincts and high basketball IQ. This wasn’t just a move to fill a gap. It was a bet on a player who could reshape the team’s offensive identity.
At Oklahoma, Fears wasn’t just good, he was clutch. He averaged 17.1 points a game during the 2024–25 NCAA season and made a habit of stepping up in big games, especially against top SEC competition. You could see the poise. The leadership. The “give me the ball, I got this” kind of energy you want in your floor general.
And once Summer League rolled around, Fears wasted no time making noise. In his first four outings, he put up: 16.3 points, 3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists.
He showed speed, control, and shot-making, exactly what Pelicans fans were hoping to see. More importantly, he looked like he belonged. No wide eyes, no nerves. Just smooth decision-making and the occasional “wow” play that hinted at what’s to come.
From the Chi to the Big Easy, with Some Big Expectations
Fears isn’t just another prospect, he’s already getting props from some pretty legendary voices. Isiah Thomas, the Hall of Fame point guard (and fellow Chicago native), gave Fears a glowing nod, placing him in the same conversation as Chicago guard royalty like Derrick Rose and Tim Hardaway.
“There’s a boatload of Chicago point guards you have to live up to,” Thomas said. “He understands the assignment.”
Fears does more than understand it, he’s embracing it. In a Summer League interview, he didn’t hold back, saying he aims to be “one of the Top 2 point guards of all time” within the next 10 years. It was bold. Maybe even a little over-the-top. But hey, confidence matters. And if you’re going to survive in the NBA, especially as a rookie guard, you better believe in yourself before anyone else does.
Where Does Jeremiah Fear Fit Right Now?
Here’s where things get a little complicated. The Pelicans aren’t short on guards. Jordan Poole, Jose Alvarado, and newly acquired Dejounte Murray are all fighting for time and touches. That means Fears is going to have to earn every minute. Nothing will be handed to him.
Still, he has a skill set that’s hard to ignore. His ability to push the pace, create off the dribble, and score in bunches could be a game-changer, especially for a team that’s often leaned heavily on its forwards.
Think about it: Zion handling the paint, the wings stretching the floor, and Fears orchestrating everything like a young maestro? That’s the kind of offensive dynamic that could really start to cook.
Bottom Line
The Pelicans saw a need and went for it, and in Jeremiah Fears, they might’ve found the high-upside guard who can help turn things around. He’s not just a patch. He’s a possible cornerstone. With early praise, solid Summer League numbers, and sky-high goals, Fears is stepping into the league with a lot of eyes on him. Whether he thrives or struggles out of the gate, one thing’s for sure: he’s not short on confidence or potential.
For New Orleans, the 2025–26 season won’t just be about bouncing back. It’ll be about finding out if Fears can be the spark they’ve been missing all along.
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