The 2025 NBA Draft was more than just a roster-building exercise for the New Orleans Pelicans. It was Joe Dumars’ first draft as general manager, and he wasted no time putting his stamp on the franchise.
With two first-round picks, Dumars addressed team needs, made a bold trade, and quietly answered the noise surrounding the team’s culture—especially the criticism coming from inside the locker room.
🏀 First Pick: Jeremiah Fears, G, Oklahoma – Grade: B+
With the No. 7 overall pick, the Pelicans selected Jeremiah Fears, a 6’4″ combo guard from Oklahoma who averaged 17.1 points and 4.1 assists as a freshman. Fears brings speed, shooting, and playmaking to a backcourt that badly needed all three.
This pick wasn’t just about skill. It was about tone and identity. Fears plays with confidence and control—traits the Pelicans lacked last season when the offense unraveled.
The fit is solid. He’ll grow behind veterans like Dejounte Murray and Jordan Poole, but he’s clearly being groomed to eventually run the show.
😤 Responding to Dejounte Murray’s Criticism
Shortly before the draft, Dejounte Murray publicly criticized the team, calling it “directionless” and lacking a true system. The comments—though deleted—hung over draft night like a cloud.
Rather than overreact, Dumars responded with clarity: drafting a steady young guard and then following up with a disciplined, team-first big man. The message was clear—New Orleans is moving forward with structure and accountability.
🧱 Second Move: Pelicans Trade Up for Derik Queen – Grade: A–
When Derik Queen was selected No. 13 overall by Atlanta, the Pelicans acted quickly. Dumars struck a deal, sending the No. 23 pick and an unprotected 2026 first-rounder to the Hawks to move up and grab the Maryland big man.
Queen, 6’10” and 245 pounds, is an advanced post scorer with elite footwork, rebounding instincts, and basketball IQ. He averaged 16.5 points and 9 boards as a freshman and was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year.
He’s not an above-the-rim athlete, but he’s tough, smart, and highly productive. For a team that struggled with interior consistency and needs frontcourt depth, Queen could earn rotation minutes immediately.
🔁 Trade Recap
| Pelicans Sent | Pelicans Received |
|---|---|
| No. 23 pick + 2026 1st (unprotected) | No. 13 pick (Derik Queen) |
The trade reflects Dumars’ willingness to be aggressive when he sees a strong fit. Queen wasn’t just available—he was targeted.
🧠 Dumars’ Blueprint Becomes Clear
In his first draft as GM, Joe Dumars avoided splashy headlines and stuck to substance. He didn’t reach for stardom. He added toughness, maturity, and potential at key positions—and began reshaping the locker room culture from the inside out.
This wasn’t a rebuild. It was a redirection.
Dumars brought in two high-character, high-upside players, and signaled that the Pelicans will be about accountability and development—not drama.
📝 Final Grade: B+
The Pelicans walked away with two quality prospects who fill real needs. They made a calculated trade, kept their long-term flexibility, and laid the groundwork for stability under their new general manager.
If Queen delivers right away and Fears becomes a starting-caliber guard within two seasons, this could quietly go down as one of the franchise’s smarter drafts.
Dumars is out of touch!! Old school in the new NBA just like Van Gundy!!
Good picks, especially Fears! We won’t miss Mc Cullum much.