The New Orleans Pelicans knew they had something special in this year’s rookie class - and now the rest of the league is starting to see it too. Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen have been steadily climbing the NBA’s rookie ladder all season, but this week marks a new high-water mark. After a pair of wins, the Pelicans’ rookie duo now sits just behind the league’s top two first-year players in the latest rookie rankings.
Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel still hold down the top two spots - and rightfully so. They’ve been producing at a high level all season long.
But now, right behind them, are Fears and Queen, landing at No. 3 and No. 4 respectively. That’s a big win for New Orleans, who snagged both players with the No. 7 and No. 13 picks in the draft.
To come away with two of the four best rookies this season? That’s the kind of draft haul that can reshape a franchise’s future.
Let’s start with Derik Queen. He didn’t light up the box score in the Pelicans’ two recent wins, but don’t let that fool you - his impact was all over the floor.
Queen averaged 10.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, six assists, and a steal across the two games. That kind of all-around production is becoming the norm for him.
What’s really standing out now is his court vision and decision-making. He’s averaging 6.3 assists per game in December, which is impressive for any rookie - let alone a big man.
Queen’s growth as a playmaker is giving the Pelicans a new wrinkle in their offense. He’s not just moving the ball - he’s dictating tempo, reading defenses, and making the right play more often than not.
Head coach James Borrego has kept him on a short leash at times this season, pulling him when the focus or effort dips. But those moments are becoming fewer and farther between.
Queen is settling in, and it’s showing.
Then there’s Jeremiah Fears, who’s already flashing the kind of scoring instincts that make you think he could be a long-term answer at point guard. He had a tough outing against San Antonio - his second-worst game of the season - but the bounce-back was immediate.
In the next two games, he averaged 19.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.5 steals. And he did it with confidence.
His 20-point performance against the Bulls stood out, not just because it was a strong showing, but because it came in his return to his hometown of Chicago. That kind of moment can light a fire under a young player, and Fears looked fully in control. He’s already proven he can get his own shot, but as he continues to grow as a facilitator, his ceiling only gets higher.
What’s exciting for New Orleans fans is how well these two rookies complement each other. Queen brings a steadying presence, a connector who makes the offense hum.
Fears brings the spark - a shot creator who can take over stretches of games. Together, they’re giving the Pelicans a foundation to build around.
This upcoming week will be another test. The Pelicans have four games on the slate - three at home against the Rockets, Pacers, and Mavericks, before hitting the road to face the Cavaliers. It’s a mix of styles and challenges, and another chance for Fears and Queen to prove they belong in the top tier of this rookie class.
If they keep trending upward, we might not be talking about just a strong rookie season - we could be looking at the core of something much bigger in New Orleans.