New Orleans Pelicans Rookies Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen Emerge as Bright Spots in Challenging 2025-26 Season

The New Orleans Pelicans have navigated a difficult 2025-26 NBA season, but the emergence of rookies Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen provides a foundational path forward for the franchise. Despite the team struggling with injuries and a 8-31 start early in the year, the two rookies have secured consistent starting roles and earned regular recognition on the NBA’s Kia Rookie Ladder, according to NBA.com.

Building a Future Around a Young Core

The Pelicans’ season has been defined by significant health challenges, with the team losing 124 man-games by early January 2026. This instability limited the team to only one game with their Opening Night starting lineup during the first half of the campaign. Amidst these setbacks, the development of Fears and Queen has remained a primary focus for the organization.

Derik Queen, a versatile center from Maryland, and Jeremiah Fears, a high-velocity point guard from Oklahoma, have both established themselves as legitimate starters. Their performance has made New Orleans the only franchise to consistently place multiple players on the league’s weekly rookie rankings. As of January 2026, Queen held the fourth spot on the Kia Rookie Ladder, while Fears ranked eighth.

Veteran Mentorship and On-Court Growth

The veteran presence in the Pelicans’ locker room has played a crucial role in the development of the team’s young talent. Dejounte Murray has been vocal in his support for Fears, explicitly stating that the rookie “is the future” and noting his responsibility as a professional to show the younger players how to navigate the demands of the league, as reported by Yahoo Sports.

This mentorship extends beyond the court. In June 2026, Fears showcased his growth as a professional by conducting an interview with Karl-Anthony Towns, focusing on the veteran’s role as one of the league’s premier shooting big men. The interaction highlights the rookies’ initiative in engaging with established stars to understand the nuances of the game at the highest level.

Looking Ahead: Coaching and Roster Development

The transition in the coaching staff has been a significant narrative throughout the season. After moving from Willie Green to James Borrego, the team continued to face challenges in the Western Conference standings. However, the organization’s commitment to its young core suggests a focus on long-term stability rather than immediate short-term results.

Key Takeaways for Pelicans Fans

• Rookie Impact: Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen have earned starting roles, proving they are key components of the team’s future.
• Consistency: New Orleans is the only NBA team to feature multiple players consistently on the Kia Rookie Ladder.
• Veteran Guidance: Experienced players like Dejounte Murray are actively mentoring the young core to accelerate their professional growth.
• Health Factors: The 2025-26 season was heavily impacted by injuries, which skewed the team’s early performance metrics.

As the team looks to build on the flashes of stardom shown by Fears and Queen, the Pelicans’ front office and coaching staff face the task of integrating these young talents with the team’s veteran core to improve upon their recent standing in the Western Conference.