Pelicans Select Jeremiah Fears in the 2025 NBA Draft

The New Orleans Pelicans have chosen Oklahoma guard Jeremiah Fears with the seventh overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Standing at 6’3″, Fears is regarded as one of the best ball handlers in the draft, known for his quick, herky-jerky moves that allow him to navigate the floor effectively. He excels at playing with speed, decelerating to execute floaters and finishing at the basket. Despite shooting just 28% from beyond the arc last season, there is optimism about his potential as a shooter, supported by his mid-range shooting percentages of 43% and 50%, and an impressive 85% free throw rate that was consistent during his high school and college years.

While he’s on the smaller side and needs to improve his shooting and decision-making, Fears is praised as a clutch scorer, having consistently made crucial shots for Oklahoma. Comparisons have been made to Jordan Poole, with Fears showing a herky-jerky, shot-making style that makes him a bucket-getter and a potential clutch performer.

Fears’s pace of play, especially in ball screens, is highly regarded. Though not yet a top-tier playmaker, he shows growth potential and the ability to adapt to NBA-level defenses. His assist-to-turnover ratio was about 1:1 last season, indicating room for development. His attacking ability and resilience under pressure stand out, evidenced by numerous clutch shots he made during his college tenure.

Described as fearless, Jeremiah Fears embodies a confident and skilled guard, making him a promising addition for the Pelicans as they build around key players. His arrival adds versatility and energy to their backcourt, with the potential to develop into a reliable scorer and playmaker at the next level.