Like other Western Conference teams, such as the Utah Jazz and San Antonio Spurs, the New Orleans Pelicans came away from the 2025 NBA Draft with a crop of talented prospects. They all certainly have the talent and skills to be impactful players for New Orleans in the years to come. Each of them flashed their potential in various Summer League and preseason games leading up to the regular season. Not only that, but they have also impressed in their short time playing in the league proper. While the season has started, there is no reason not to set expectations for each rookie with the season still being young. Let’s dive into one expectation for each New Orleans Pelicans rookie for the 2025-2026 NBA season.
One Expectation For Each New Orleans Pelicans Rookie
Jeremiah Fears
Expectation: Proving His Size Won’t Be An Issue
The Pelicans took Oklahoma Sooners guard Jeremiah Fears with the seventh overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. As a prospect, Fears certainly defined himself in college as an impressive slasher who can generate paint touches and free throws at a high level. Unquestionably, Fears knows how to utilize his quickness and ball-handling to create advantages against his opponents to get downhill. His ability to generate rim pressure also grants him strong flashes as a playmaker since he can leverage his scoring to create open shots for his team.
For a team that needs to fill a long-term fit at point guard, selecting Fears was the right choice. However, Fears has several things that he needs to work on, including his shooting and defense. However, the biggest thing Fears has to prove this season is that his size at six-foot-four won’t be an issue at the NBA level. He isn’t the tallest or the strongest guard, which can be detrimental on both ends. Offensively, his size can make it more difficult to get his rim pressure, as NBA-level players are significantly more athletic and better defensively. Defensively, Fears will be a target for opponents to pick on. While his short time in the NBA has shown extremely encouraging flashes, the concern remains. If he can figure that out, there will be a definite place for him in the league as a primary ball-handler.
Derik Queen
Expectation: Prove That He Won’t Be A Defensive Liability
In a draft-day trade with the Atlanta Hawks that secured New Orleans with the 13th overall pick, they chose to take Maryland big man Derik Queen. Standing at six-foot-ten, Queen is an offensively talented combo big who excels as an interior scorer, rebounder, and passer. Specifically, he is a major post-up threat who uses his footwork and ball-handling to shake defenders and finish at the basket. Not only that, but his ball-handling also allows him to be a threat from the perimeter. His scoring prowess forces defenses to collapse on him, where he can use his excellent passing to find open teammates.
Unquestionably, Queen has the skills and upside to be a great offensive player in the NBA. However, his abilities on the defensive end lag behind his offense considerably. So, the clear expectation for Queen is to prove that he won’t be a defensive liability. He can be exploited by guards if he is switched out onto the perimeter. They can just drive right by him with ease. Queen isn’t a great rim protector either. He needs to find a way to be effective on the defensive end. Queen’s start in the NBA hasn’t been that bad for him defensively, which is encouraging. Nevertheless, he must take this season to prove that he won’t be a defensive liability.
Micah Peavy
Expectation: Prove Himself To Be a Real Three-Point Shooter
In another trade, the Pelicans obtained the 40th-overall pick and used it to select Georgetown wing Micah Peavy. The six-foot-seven Peavy is a skilled defensive wing who has shown potential as a three-point shooter. As a defender, he is capable of guarding multiple positions and being switchable on the perimeter. His size and strength allow him to be a strong on-ball defender who is great at forcing turnovers. Not only that, but he knows how to rotate well behind plays when defending off the ball. Offensively, Peavy is a solid passer and ball-handler who has improved as a shooter.
Considering the overall lack of perimeter defense, the Pelicans made the right call in taking Peavy. However, another thing they need is shooting on the roster. While Peavy has made strides in college to become a better shooter, he must prove that he is a real threat from beyond the arc. Outside this past college season, Peavy has never been a good three-point shooter. In particular, he shot 40% from three last year, but for every other collegiate season he had, Peavy shot 31% or below. In a team with Zion Williamson, three-point shooting is crucial for Peavy to have. If he can prove his shooting, he would be the perfect fit as a 3-and-D player around the Pelicans’ star.
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