The New Orleans Pelicans made waves on Day 1 of the 2025 NBA Draft, reshaping their future by selecting dynamic point guard Jeremiah Fears and versatile big man Derik Queen in the first round.
These picks highlight an aggressive push by the Pelicans to revitalize their roster, a process that also saw the team trade CJ McCollum, Kelly Olynyk, and a future second-round pick to the Washington Wizards for Jordan Poole, Saddiq Bey, and the No. 40 pick. With a revamped backcourt and added frontcourt depth, the Pelicans are signaling their intent to climb the Western Conference standings.
Jeremiah Fears, a reclassified Oklahoma standout, fell to New Orleans after an unexpected lottery slip. Known for his poise and court vision, Fears’ breakout freshman season at Oklahoma turned heads. His ability to orchestrate an offense and his promise as a long-term starter provide hope for stability in the Pelicans’ backcourt, long plagued by inconsistency.
Fears join forces with Jordan Poole, forming a dynamic duo designed to push the team’s pace and energize fans with high-octane playmaking. While Fears may take time to fully realize his potential, his selection reflects New Orleans’ commitment to addressing their backcourt needs.
At pick No. 13, the Pelicans traded up to grab Maryland’s Derik Queen, a 6’10” forward-center with impressive ball-handling skills and offensive versatility. Queen’s ability to distribute in transition, coupled with his left-handed finesse around the rim, offers intriguing possibilities for a Pelicans team that has struggled to find consistent frontcourt production outside of Zion Williamson.
However, questions remain about Queen’s defensive ceiling and positional fit. Despite some concerns, the Pelicans are betting on his upside as a multi-dimensional big man who can complement Williamson’s inside dominance.
As the Pelicans head into the 2025-26 season, their aggressive moves in the draft and trade market signal a renewed sense of urgency. The additions of Fears and Queen, along with Poole and Bey, mark a new chapter for New Orleans—a team determined to turn potential into playoff success.
