New Orleans Pelicans’ biggest Jeremiah Fears concern after 2025 NBA Summer League

Even more impressive? He was the only lottery pick in the 2025 class to appear in all five Summer League games. As his counterparts dealt with minor injuries, rest plans, or early exits, Fears stayed on the floor, gaining reps and absorbing information. The Pelicans’ staff took note, especially as his decision-making showed signs of growth late in the week.

But while the talent is undeniable, Summer League made it clear: Fears is far from a finished product.

Pelicans concern: Is Jeremiah Fears ready to run the show in New Orleans?

For all his upside, Jeremiah Fears’ biggest concern coming out of Summer League is his decision-making and efficiency, two non-negotiables for a lead guard.

Across five games in Vegas, Fears averaged a team-high 17.4 points per game, but shot just 18.2 percent from three. Even more worrying were his 25 turnovers, compared to only 13 assists. That’s nearly five turnovers per game, an alarmingly high number, even for an 18-year-old rookie trying to adjust to NBA-level speed and spacing.

The issues weren’t about talent; they were about control. Fears often got into the paint with ease, but struggled finishing through contact, especially when matched up against stronger, more physical defenders. Without the strength to absorb contact or make consistently good reads against second-level defenders, many possessions ended in rushed layups, errant passes, or dead dribbles.

And this isn’t just a box-score concern. The eye test confirmed what the stats told us. Fears often oscillated between aggressiveness and recklessness. His shot selection, particularly from beyond the arc, was inconsistent. His handle, while flashy, occasionally got him into trouble in traffic.

For a franchise already dealing with years of instability at the guard position, this kind of learning curve will come with growing pains, especially with Fears projected to see early rotation minutes in the absence of Murray.

Why the Pelicans need to be patient – but not passive

It’s tempting to expect instant impact from a top-10 pick, especially when that player plays the most difficult position on the court. But it’s also important to zoom out.

Jeremiah Fears is 18. He’s months removed from high school, competing against players five to seven years older. He’s navigating NBA physicality, new schemes, and the responsibility of organizing professional sets. The fact that he stayed aggressive, didn’t shy away from the moment, and continued to attack despite mistakes says a lot about his mindset.

What Fears lacks in polish, he makes up for in confidence, both in play and in personality. With “Fears 0” stitched across his back, he’s playing with the boldness that the Pelicans hope will define their next era. The team isn’t blind to his flaws; they’re hopeful that time in the weight room and regular-season reps will sharpen his tools.

There’s also reason to believe that playing next to veteran guards like Dejounte Murray will help balance his development. In those lineups, Fears won’t have to be the primary engine, just a spark.

The Pelicans are facing a pivotal stretch as a franchise. Coming off a 21-win season and entering a transitional year with a retooled front office, the margin for error is slim. New President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars and GM Troy Weaver have a vision, but it’s unclear how long the current core will stay intact.

If Jeremiah Fears is to become the face of the rebuild, he’ll need time, coaching, and structure. And if the Pelicans are to make anything of the 2025-26 season, they’ll need internal improvement from nearly every young piece, starting with their boldest draft bet.

There’s potential in New Orleans. But it’s going to take patience, and that may be the hardest sell of all.