Jeremiah Fears needed just under four seconds to blaze coast-to-coast for a layup at the end of the first quarter on Wednesday night against the Miami Heat. It was a flash of speed and confidence that’s become routine for the New Orleans Pelicans rookie - and a fitting snapshot of how quickly he and fellow first-year teammate Derik Queen have made their presence felt in the NBA.
When the Pelicans landed Fears with the No. 7 overall pick and then traded up to grab Queen at No. 13, there was cautious optimism. But even the most hopeful projections didn’t quite anticipate this: two rookies stepping into the spotlight as foundational pieces for a franchise still trying to find its footing. At 15-41 heading into the All-Star break, New Orleans hasn’t had much to celebrate this season - but Fears and Queen have been undeniable bright spots.
Their efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. Both were selected for the Castrol Rising Stars showcase, set for Friday night in Los Angeles as part of All-Star Weekend. It’s a nod to their impact - and a sign that the league is watching.
“I’m extremely proud of them,” said interim head coach James Borrego. “They’ve earned it.
They belong there. They have been two bright stars in this draft class and we are proud to have them.”
Let’s break it down.
Fears has been the definition of reliable. He’s the only rookie to appear in all 56 of his team’s games so far - a testament to both his durability and the trust he’s earned from the coaching staff.
He’s averaging 13.2 points per game, good for fifth among rookies, and he’s starting to round out his game in meaningful ways. On Wednesday, he logged his first career double-double and came just two assists shy of a triple-double - a sign of just how versatile his game is becoming.
Queen, meanwhile, has quietly put together one of the most well-rounded rookie campaigns in the league. He’s played in 55 games - second only to Fears among rookies - and is averaging 12.2 points, 7.2 rebounds (second among rookies), and 4.1 assists (also second).
Those numbers aren’t just solid - they’re the kind of across-the-board production that hints at long-term upside. He’s already tallied two triple-doubles this season, a rare feat for a rookie big man.
But don’t expect the duo to team up in the Rising Stars game. They’ll be on opposite squads in the four-team mini-tournament, which features a mix of first- and second-year NBA players along with a group of G League standouts. Fears will suit up for the team coached by Carmelo Anthony, while Queen will play under Vince Carter.
“It doesn’t really matter what team I’m on,” Queen said. “It’s all about the experience.
I would have liked to have [Fears] on my team so we can cheat a little bit. But it’s going to be a good experience.”
This marks the seventh straight year New Orleans has had at least one player in the Rising Stars Game - a streak that continues thanks to the early emergence of Fears and Queen.
“I’m really excited for both of us,” said Fears. “May the best team win.”
While the Rising Stars showcase is technically an exhibition, Fears has a clear goal in mind: “Give the fans a show,” he said. “All the top talent is going to be in one setting.
It’s going to be really entertaining. It was super fun when I used to go watch [All-Star] as a kid.
I’m going to be up and close and personal this time.”
Queen, for his part, still remembers watching the epic 2016 Slam Dunk Contest between Zach LaVine and Aaron Gordon - a showdown that’s become legendary in All-Star lore. He was just 11 at the time.
Fears was 9. That’s how young these two are - and how much of their story is still unwritten.
“I’m excited for what’s ahead for them,” Borrego said. “This is just the beginning.
It’s an honor to make that game. I don’t care where you’re drafted.
It's an honor to be acknowledged like that, not just from our group, but also from outside in the NBA world.”
Fears and Queen are the only Pelicans participating in this year’s All-Star Weekend. There are no New Orleans representatives in Saturday’s 3-point contest or Slam Dunk contest, and no Pelicans in Sunday’s All-Star Game.
The last Pelican to make the All-Star roster was Zion Williamson back in 2023. Former Pelican Brandon Ingram, now with the Toronto Raptors, was a late addition to this year’s All-Star Game.
But for now, the spotlight belongs to the rookies.
New Orleans may still be rebuilding, but in Fears and Queen, they’ve found something real - two young players who don’t just have potential, but are already delivering on it.