The New Orleans Pelicans drafted two very talented players in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen were picked seventh and 13th overall respectively by the New Orleans Pelicans.
Fears played for Oklahoma in college, while Queen represented Maryland, with both having a lot of impact on their teams.
The Pelicans have a talented roster and this will make it difficult for these two rookies to find time on the court, but they will be up for the challenge.
Their first step is making a name for themselves in the Summer League and according to coach Corey Brewer they are on the right track.
Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty ImagesCorey Brewer heaps praise on Fears’ speed
Brewer will be coaching the Pelicans’ Summer League campaign, and he has already seen great things from both the rookies.
He praised Fears’ speed on the court in particular and pointed out that it is what made him special.
Speaking to the media about the talented rookie, Brewer said: “Jeremiah’s fast. He gets up and down the court really fast. He’s going to be a good player. Great young guy.”
Brewer also reserved some praise for Queen, who, being picked 13th, was labelled as one of the worst draft decisions by many.
“Derik can really play, I love both of those guys.”
“They’re learning to play off each other, play together, it will help both of them,” he added.
Fears also spoke about his fellow rookie teammate, Queen in a recent interview during shootaround.
He said: “Super skill, extremely skilled. High IQ. We expect him to show up big time and I’m going to keep pushing him and motivating him.”
Fears and Queen will bring much-needed dynamism to the Pelicans roster
The Pelicans have been unlucky with injuries in recent years, which is what has prevented them from making noise in the playoffs.
Their franchise star Zion Williamson has not featured in more than 70 games in five seasons since he has been in the league, while co-star Dejounte Murray also struggled to find fitness last season.
They did not have the depth to address these problems, but the arrival of two rookie sensations Fears and Queen could solve this problem for the Pelicans.
Both of them can score the ball well and averaged over 15 points per game in college.
Fears’ pace and ball handling have already won him praise from many around the league.
Meanwhile, Queen’s ability in the paint and clutch situations will help him be a great option in the frontcourt alongside Williamson.
Maryland star Derik Queen is heading to Pelicans with the No. 13 pick 🔥
The Big Ten Freshman of the Year led the Terps to the Sweet 16 🙌 pic.twitter.com/89iRqxigQW
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 26, 2025
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The team has brought in players like Jordan Poole and Kevon Looney; adding them will certainly help the rookies learn important things about the game.
If things go well and the rookies play well with the stars also delivering, the Pelicans could be a team to watch in the West.