Utah Jazz: Dwyane Wade Drops Optimistic Reminder for the Fans After 2025 Draft Lottery Fail 8 Mar 13, 2025; Nashville, TN, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Jeremiah Fears (0) dribbles the ball against the Kentucky Wildcats during the second half at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

'By Game 40 or 50, He’s Going to be a Totally Different Player' – New Orleans Pelicans Coach Drops Bold Outlook for Jeremiah Fears

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Jul 22, 2025 5:40 PM ET

The New Orleans Pelicans finished their Summer League campaign with a 0-5 record, but they got a glimpse of what they can expect from their rookie guard Jeremiah Fears.

According to New Orleans Pelicans Summer League head coach Corey Brewer, Fears has the tools to be successful in the NBA, but he has to work on his decision-making.

“It’s going to be growing pains for him, even during this year, he’s going to have to learn from game to game. His decision making has gotten a lot better. The first two games to the last game, he made a lot better reads and got guys open shots. He’s only going to keep getting better, he’s only 18 years old,” Brewer said about Fears.

Dec 18, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Jeremiah Fears (0) drives to the basket against Michigan Wolverines guard Roddy Gayle Jr. (11) during the first half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

“Everything Jeremiah does he’s learning, it’s new. He’s going to get better and better. By game 40 or 50 next year, he’s going to be a totally different player,” he added.

New Orleans Pelicans rookie suffers huge injury blow

The New Orleans Pelicans recently confirmed that rookie center Derik Queen underwent surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left wrist.

Washington Wizards: Alex Sarr and Bub Carrington Achieve Insane Rookie Feat Not Seen Since 1963-64 9 Feb 26, 2025; College Park, Maryland, USA; Maryland Terrapins center Derik Queen (25) takes a free throw during the second half against the Michigan State Spartans at Xfinity Center. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images

“The New Orleans Pelicans announced today that forward/center Derik Queen underwent successful surgery to address a torn scapholunate ligament in his left wrist. Queen sustained the injury during the Pelicans’ Summer League contest against the Portland Trail Blazers on July 15. He will be re-evaluated in approximately 12 weeks,” the team said in a statement.

Queen played three games for the New Orleans Pelicans in the recently-concluded Summer League in Las Vegas, averaging 14 points, 11 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 27.1 minutes per contest.