Feb 27, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) controls the ball against the Charlotte Hornets during the second half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Stephen A Smith's Bold Kyrie Irving Comparison For Pelicans 2025 Draft Pick

Originally posted on New Orleans Pelicans on SI
By Liam Willerup | Last updated Jun 25, 2025 9:31 PM ET

The 2025 NBA Draft is underway, with a mix of surprising and expected selections throughout the first round so far. As expected, Cooper Flagg kicked off the draft by being the first-overall pick to the Dallas Mavericks, followed by Dylan Harper headed to the San Antonio Spurs.

As for the New Orleans Pelicans, several different options were being thrown around for them at the seventh overall pick. While some mocks had them taking a center like Khaman Maluach, the pick ended up being Jeremiah Fears from the Oklahoma Sooners. A move to form a new backcourt of Fears and Jordan Poole, ESPN's Stephen A Smith decided to make a wild comparison.

Stephen A. Smith on Jeremiah Fears: “He’s the second coming of Kyrie Irving.”

(via @Frankie_Vision)
pic.twitter.com/ZP7a9r5r9b
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 26, 2025

“He’s the second coming of Kyrie Irving," Stephen A Smith said about Fears. Irving, who's likely to be a Hall of Famer after his career ends, puts a high ceiling on Fears, who hasn't even put on a Pelicans jersey yet. However, there are some definite style comparisons between Fears and Irving for how they play.

A lofty expectation to put on Fears, the Pelicans would likely be happy if he can become 80% of that as a player. As mentioned, the Pelicans landed Poole in a trade earlier this week, creating a new young backcourt alongside Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones, and Zion Williamson. Obviously, a trade could still happen, but the Pelicans have the talent to make a return to the playoffs next year.

With the 7th pick in the NBA Draft, the #Pelicans select Jeremiah Fears from @OU_MBBall #PelicansDraft | @NewAgeProducts pic.twitter.com/vLj7LdyA5M
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) June 26, 2025

Fans will first get a glimpse to see what Fears can do during the upcoming NBA Summer League, but that won't be the end-all be-all. For now, Fears will look to carve out a role on a Pelicans team with a lot of mouths to feed.

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This article first appeared on New Orleans Pelicans on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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