Pelicans' rookies Jeremiah Fears, Derik Queen shine in Rising Stars game

Fears and Queen were selected to compete in the Rising Stars showcase as part of NBA All-Star weekend in Los Angeles.

Feb. 12, 2026 at 8:31pm

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New Orleans Pelicans' rookies Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen have made an immediate impact this season, earning spots in the Rising Stars game during NBA All-Star weekend. Fears, the 7th overall pick, leads all rookies in games played and is 5th in scoring, while Queen, acquired via trade, is 2nd among rookies in rebounds and assists. Though on opposing teams, the two young stars are excited for the opportunity to showcase their talents in front of the All-Star crowd.

Why it matters

The selection of Fears and Queen to the Rising Stars game is a bright spot for the struggling Pelicans, who have not had an All-Star since 2023. The duo's strong play has them positioned as potential building blocks for the franchise's future.

The details

Fears and Queen have been two of the most productive rookies in the league this season. Fears leads all first-year players in games played (56) and is 5th in scoring at 13.2 points per game. Queen ranks 2nd among rookies in rebounds (7.2) and assists (4.1), and has recorded two triple-doubles. Though on opposing teams in the Rising Stars tournament, the two young Pelicans are looking forward to the experience and putting on a show for the fans.

  • Fears and Queen were selected to the Rising Stars game as part of the 2026 NBA All-Star weekend in Los Angeles.
  • The Rising Stars game will take place on Friday, February 14, 2026.

The players

Jeremiah Fears

A 7th overall draft pick of the New Orleans Pelicans, Fears has been one of the most productive rookies in the league this season, leading all first-year players in games played and ranking 5th in scoring.

Derik Queen

Acquired by the Pelicans via trade, Queen has been a standout rookie, ranking 2nd among first-year players in rebounds and assists, and recording two triple-doubles so far this season.

Joe Dumars

The executive vice-president of basketball operations for the New Orleans Pelicans, who selected Fears with the 7th overall pick and traded up to acquire Queen with the 13th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

James Borrego

The interim head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans, who has praised the contributions of Fears and Queen and is excited for them to represent the team at the Rising Stars game.

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What they’re saying

“I'm extremely proud of them. They've earned it. They belong there. They have been two bright stars in this draft class and we are proud to have them.”

— James Borrego, Interim Head Coach, New Orleans Pelicans (theadvocate.com)

“It doesn't really matter (what team I'm on). It's all about the experience. I would have liked to have (Fears) on my team so we can cheat a little bit. But it's going to be a good experience.”

— Derik Queen, Pelicans Rookie (theadvocate.com)

“Give the fans a show. All the top talent is going to be in one setting. It's going to be really entertaining. It was super fun when I used to go watch (All-Star) as a kid. I'm going to be up and close and personal this time.”

— Jeremiah Fears, Pelicans Rookie (theadvocate.com)

What’s next

The Rising Stars game will take place on Friday, February 14, 2026 as part of the NBA All-Star weekend in Los Angeles.

The takeaway

The selection of Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen to the Rising Stars game is a positive sign for the future of the New Orleans Pelicans, as the two young rookies have emerged as potential building blocks for the struggling franchise.