Pelicans' Saddiq Bey Emerges as Comeback Player of the Year Candidate

Rookie Jeremiah Fears also impresses with double-double, while Trey Murphy III returns from injury

Mar. 2, 2026 at 9:15pm

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Saddiq Bey has been a standout performer for the New Orleans Pelicans this season after missing the entire 2024/25 campaign due to a torn ACL. Interim head coach James Borrego praised Bey's work ethic and impact on the team. Rookie guard Jeremiah Fears also had a strong game with a double-double, while Trey Murphy III is set to return from a shoulder injury. The Pelicans will also monitor the status of forward Zion Williamson, who exited a recent game with an ankle issue.

Why it matters

Bey's comeback story highlights the Pelicans' ability to acquire and develop talented players, while Fears' emergence as a rookie contributor bodes well for the team's future. The Pelicans are fighting for playoff positioning in the Western Conference, so the returns of key players like Murphy and potentially Williamson could be crucial down the stretch.

The details

Saddiq Bey is averaging 17.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game in his first season with the Pelicans after being acquired in an offseason trade. He scored a season-high 42 points in a recent win over the Jazz. Rookie Jeremiah Fears recorded his second career double-double with 18 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists off the bench in a victory over the Jazz. Trey Murphy III has been upgraded to available for the Pelicans' game against the Clippers after missing five straight games with a shoulder injury. Zion Williamson exited the team's previous game with a right ankle injury and is questionable for the upcoming back-to-back.

  • Bey missed the entire 2024/25 season while recovering from a torn ACL.
  • Fears recorded his second career double-double on Saturday, March 1, 2026.
  • Murphy has been upgraded to available for the Pelicans' game on Sunday, March 2, 2026.
  • Williamson exited the team's previous game on Saturday, March 1, 2026 with a right ankle injury.

The players

Saddiq Bey

A 26-year-old wing player for the New Orleans Pelicans who is having a standout season after missing the previous year due to a torn ACL.

Jeremiah Fears

A rookie guard for the New Orleans Pelicans who recorded a double-double in a recent victory.

Trey Murphy III

A forward for the New Orleans Pelicans who has been upgraded to available after missing five straight games with a shoulder injury.

Zion Williamson

A forward for the New Orleans Pelicans who exited the team's previous game with a right ankle injury and is questionable for the upcoming back-to-back.

James Borrego

The interim head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans.

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What they’re saying

“He deserves the credit because he works on it every day. He does not take a day for granted. I think all of us should learn from Saddiq. He values every day. Every day he gets to walk into an NBA gym, he values it. And he treats it with great care and respect. … He's really elevated this program.”

— James Borrego, Interim Head Coach (NOLA.com)

“His poise, his play-making settled us. His pace. You felt him early. Especially when he rebounds like that, we're gone. To rebound like that at his size and position just fuels our offense. And he continues to grow defensively, making havoc plays out there. I see a focused young man. I thought he was fantastic tonight.”

— James Borrego, Interim Head Coach (NOLA.com)

“They felt the love that I had for the city and it was real love. There was nothing fake about it. New Orleans will always be home to me. I always said New Orleans is a gritty, tough city and you can never knock them down. We saw Mother Nature, whoever, try to bring New Orleans down and they always rise back up with their head high. I just think that's how I carry myself, also, and they saw that in me.”

— Jose Alvarado (The Athletic)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.