Pelicans Rookies Shine in Final Week of NBA Season

Fears and Queen post impressive stat lines as Pelicans close out 2025-26 campaign

Apr. 14, 2026 at 2:06pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in bold, geometric shapes and planes of color, capturing the dynamic movement and energy of a basketball game or match.Pelicans rookies Fears and Queen showcase their potential in a vibrant, cubist-inspired illustration capturing the raw energy of the final week of the NBA season.New Orleans Today

The 2025-26 NBA regular season came to a close with several standout performances from rookie players, particularly two members of the New Orleans Pelicans. Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen both put up eye-catching numbers in the final week, showcasing their potential for the future.

Why it matters

With the Pelicans out of playoff contention, the strong finishes from their young stars provide optimism for the team's long-term outlook. The development of Fears and Queen could be crucial as the franchise looks to build around Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram in the coming seasons.

The details

Pelicans rookie Jeremiah Fears averaged 37.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 2.7 steals over the final three games of the season, showcasing his scoring prowess and all-around game. Teammate Derik Queen also impressed, posting 24.0 points, 15.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 2.0 blocks and 1.7 steals per contest in his three appearances. Both players took advantage of increased playing time with the Pelicans resting their starters.

  • Fears and Queen put up their standout stat lines over the final three games of the 2025-26 NBA regular season.

The players

Jeremiah Fears

A 19-year-old rookie guard for the New Orleans Pelicans, Fears emerged as a bright spot in the team's disappointing season by averaging over 37 points per game in the final week.

Derik Queen

A rookie big man for the Pelicans, Queen recorded three double-doubles in the final week, including a 30-point, 22-rebound performance, showcasing his potential as a two-way threat.

Zion Williamson

The Pelicans' star forward, Williamson will be looking to build around the strong finishes from Fears and Queen as the team aims to return to the playoffs next season.

Brandon Ingram

Ingram, the Pelicans' other star player, will also be counted on to lead the team's young core alongside Williamson in the coming years.

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What they’re saying

“Jeremiah and Derik really stepped up in the final weeks and showed why we're so excited about their futures. They're a big part of what we're building here in New Orleans.”

— Willie Green, Pelicans Head Coach

What’s next

The Pelicans will look to build around their young core of Fears, Queen, Williamson and Ingram in the offseason, aiming to return to the playoffs after missing out this year.

The takeaway

The strong finishes from Pelicans rookies Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen provide a glimpse of the team's promising future, as they look to complement their established stars and get back into contention in the Western Conference.