In a move that blends upside with immediate value, the New Orleans Pelicans made headlines by selecting Jeremiah Fears, the dynamic guard from the University of Oklahoma, with the seventh overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. For a franchise that has flirted with playoff contention while still searching for long-term stability and identity, this pick could be the missing piece in building a more cohesive and dangerous backcourt. With elite scoring instincts, composure beyond his years, and the charisma of a future floor general, Fears arrives in New Orleans ready to carve out his place in a promising but uncertain era of Pelicans basketball.
Jeremiah Fears’ path to the NBA has been defined by consistency, discipline, and natural feel for the game. A native of Illinois, he gained national attention during his high school career at Compass Prep in Arizona, where he stood out as one of the most complete guard prospects in the country. Fears then took his talents to Oklahoma, bypassing more high-profile schools in favor of a program that gave him the reins early. It turned out to be a wise decision. As a freshman, he averaged 17 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds per game while shooting efficiently from all areas of the court. He showcased poise in late-game situations, displayed vision that belied his age, and became the undisputed leader of his team from day one.
What made Fears a standout in the 2025 draft class wasn’t just his stat line—it was how he operated with purpose and maturity in every possession. At 6’3” and 185 pounds, he may not boast the elite size of other guards in the draft, but he compensates with advanced footwork, quick processing speed, and an almost uncanny calmness in high-pressure scenarios. His court awareness is superb, and his ability to manage a game while still looking to score makes him a rare dual-threat point guard who can fit in virtually any system.
For the Pelicans, his skill set fills several critical needs. Over the last few seasons, New Orleans has struggled with offensive consistency, particularly in the half-court. With Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson as the centerpieces, the team often lacked a steady-handed guard who could orchestrate the offense while balancing scoring duties. Fears provides exactly that. He’s not only capable of taking control in crunch time, but he also thrives in making others better, especially when surrounded by finishers and shooters. His fit alongside players like Ingram, Zion, and CJ McCollum (should he remain in the lineup) gives the Pelicans a more balanced offensive structure and opens up a new realm of possibilities on the court.
Fears’ offensive game is multifaceted. He can drive and finish with either hand, pull up from mid-range with precision, and knock down threes with confidence. His shooting mechanics are fluid, and he reads defenders well enough to adapt his attack—changing pace, direction, and angles to exploit weaknesses. He’s particularly deadly in the pick-and-roll, where he makes quick decisions, whether that means threading a bounce pass to the roller or stepping back for a jumper. His handle is tight, and his ability to create space off the dribble already ranks among the best in his draft class. Most importantly, he plays with an unshakeable belief in himself without becoming reckless—a quality that separates future stars from ordinary volume scorers.
Defense is an area where Fears shows promise, even if he’s not yet considered elite. He plays with effort and intelligence, often staying in front of his man and reading passing lanes well. His size may limit him when switched onto larger wings, but his lateral quickness and anticipation make him a capable defender against most guards. More importantly, he competes. Fears takes pride in both ends of the floor, which is a mindset that will resonate with coaches and teammates alike. His commitment to improvement and his track record of rising to challenges indicate he has the potential to become a solid two-way player as he matures.
Personality and character also factored into the Pelicans’ decision. Fears has earned respect at every level for his leadership and professionalism. At Oklahoma, coaches praised his work ethic, resilience, and ability to motivate teammates. Despite being a freshman, he carried himself like a veteran, showing up early to practices, studying film religiously, and never shying away from constructive criticism. That maturity bodes well for his transition to the NBA, where mental toughness is just as crucial as physical readiness. In New Orleans, where the locker room has often lacked a vocal leader and unifying presence, Fears brings a grounded mentality and infectious competitive energy that could change the dynamic entirely.
From a broader organizational standpoint, selecting Fears is a signal that the Pelicans are preparing for a new chapter—one less reliant on waiting for star health and more focused on building a sustainable foundation. Injuries to Zion Williamson and inconsistency from the rest of the core have hindered New Orleans’ ability to find long-term rhythm. Now, with a guard like Fears who can run the show, manage tempo, and create his own offense, the team has more flexibility and stability in late-game scenarios. He may not command the spotlight immediately, but he will make an impact where it matters most: control, cohesion, and execution.
The Pelicans’ front office should be commended for resisting the temptation to go with a flashier or riskier pick. Instead, they chose a player who addresses practical needs, fits the current roster construct, and brings long-term upside. Fears has a high floor due to his maturity and skills, but he also has a ceiling that could elevate him to All-Star consideration down the road. If developed properly and surrounded by the right complementary pieces, he could become the cornerstone of a more modern, guard-led identity in New Orleans.
Fears will also benefit from being in a market that allows room for growth without the crushing pressure faced by rookies in bigger cities. New Orleans fans are passionate but patient, and the organization has shown a willingness to invest in player development. Under the guidance of head coach Willie Green, who himself was a steady guard during his playing days and emphasizes player relationships and growth, Fears will be in an ideal environment to fine-tune his game. Green’s experience working with young guards and developing systems around evolving talent makes him a perfect mentor for someone like Fears.
Of course, challenges will come. Adjusting to the speed and physicality of the NBA, dealing with the responsibilities of running an offense, and navigating the ups and downs of an 82-game season will all test Fears in new ways. But nothing in his background suggests he’ll shrink under the weight of expectations. In fact, his entire journey has been built around rising to the moment, whether it was leading high school teams as a teenager, commanding attention as a freshman in a Power Five conference, or now, stepping into the league with confidence and humility.
As the 2025–26 NBA season approaches, anticipation will build around how the Pelicans integrate their new prize into the rotation. Whether starting from day one or easing into a larger role, Jeremiah Fears is likely to make his presence felt early. His ability to read the game, adjust to situations, and lead through action will endear him to fans, coaches, and teammates. And as he develops, both physically and tactically, the league will begin to see what many already believe—that he’s one of the most complete and ready guards to come out of this year’s draft.
In a draft filled with athletic marvels and project players, Fears represents something increasingly rare: a guard with both polish and potential, ready to contribute immediately but still full of untapped layers. The Pelicans didn’t just draft a player—they drafted stability, vision, and hope for the future. Whether this pick becomes the turning point in the franchise’s fortunes will depend on many factors, but one thing is certain: with Jeremiah Fears in the fold, the Pelicans have found a fearless leader ready to make his mark in the Big Easy.
