Where Jeremiah Fears in Pelicans Crowded Backcourt

The No. 7 overall pick has an unclear path to a large role.

Jun 25, 2025; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Jeremiah Fears stands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the seventh pick by the New Orleans Pelicans in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The New Orleans Pelicans had quite the busy offseason, revamping their roster following an unsuccessful 21-61 season. Their former star duo of Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson was never able to get over the hump of the first round in the grueling Western Conferenc, and now the team takes a new direction.

Ingram was shipped out at the 2025 trade deadline, but others were moved throughout the offseason.

Rotational Players in: Jordan Poole, Kevon Looney, Saddiq Bey, Derik Queen, Jeremiah Fears, Micah Peavy

Rotational Players out: C.J. McCollum, Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, Elfrid Payton

Mar 3, 2023; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Jordan Poole (3) drives past New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum (3) during the third quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images | D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images

One unit that's particularly loaded with talent is the guard room, which consists of a 20 point per game scorer in Poole, a former All-Star in Dejounte Murray, a playoff rotational piece in Jose Alvarado, 2023's No. 14 overall pick Jordan Hawkins and now 2025's No. 7 overall pick in Fears.

That's the point guard room alone, not even mentioning guys like Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones and Peavy who occasionally slide down to the two-guard spot.

Each of the five point guards on the Pelicans roster are talented enough to warrant playing time in a consistent role, making the logjam at the position all the more confusing. New Orleans has invested notable assets into each of the players, be it fresh contracts, trade capital or a high draft selection.

So how can Fears see the court in his rookie season?

It's safe to say that at least for the start of the season, Poole and Murray will lead the pack in terms of minutes and usage. Both have proven as capable scorers and playmakers in large roles on playoff teams, and are the best of the bunch overall on day one. Barring injury, Fears probably won't be taking many of their minutes early on.

Where his primary competition lies is with Alvarado and Hawkins, as the trio fights for spots in the backup guard rotation. Alvarado's developed into a fan favorite and culture-setter over his four seasons in New Orleans, known for his scrappy defense and ability to get into opponents heads. In 24.4 minutes per game last season, he averaged 10.3 points and 4.4 assists per game, but shot just 39.2 percent from the field.

Jan 2, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado (15), Brooklyn Nets forward Jalen Wilson (22), and New Orleans Pelicans guard Jordan Hawkins (24) vie for a rebound during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images | Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

Hawkins was similar in regards to efficiency issues, as he put up 10.8 points per game on 37.2 percent field-goal shooting. The former lottery pick has shown ability to takeover stints with firey 3-point shooting, but the same can be said for his tendency to shoot the team out of games.

That being said, even with their flaws, it's hard to imagine the Pelicans giving up on both Hawkins and Alvarado quickly, as Fears will need to earn his role. It's a bit of a clunky fit, given Fears is certainly an on-ball prospect and won't be maximized alongside the two.

Either way, Fears star potential and high draft selection warrants him to have playing time just as much –– if not more –– as Alvarado and Hawkins. If Fears succeeds, he could carve out a potent sixth man role with a Pelicans squad looking to return to the