Pelicans’ Uncertain Season Concludes with Fears and Queen Leading Forward
The 2025-26 season ended with the Pelicans facing a clear crossroads. Months of roster and coaching uncertainty left the franchise with a simple choice. Rebuild now or remain mired in mediocrity.
Season context and front-office moves
New Orleans entered the year without control of its first-round pick. Willie Green was relieved of his duties midseason. James Borrego took over as interim head coach.
The roster and trade-deadline strategies remained unsettled. The front office debated whether to sell or stand pat. Those decisions now hinge on two young talents.
Performance in Boston and what it revealed
The Pelicans were beaten 144-118 at TD Garden on Friday night. The loss highlighted roster gaps and the need for a new direction.
Still, the game offered a clear glimpse of the future. Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen produced standout performances that night.
Jeremiah Fears’ night and late-season surge
Fears scored 36 points. He added three rebounds, six assists, and three steals.
He started slowly but finished strong. Fears produced 21 of his 36 points in the second half.
Derik Queen’s impact and positional growth
Queen finished with 25 points and 11 rebounds. He also recorded four assists, three blocks, and one steal.
Playing alongside Kevon Looney in the starting lineup improved Queen’s rebounding. His four assists placed him fourth all-time for rookie centers in assists.
Historical and statistical notes
Queen trails only Brad Daugherty, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Alvin Adams among rookie centers in assists. His box score that night underlined his multi-faceted upside.
Fears is poised to hit another milestone. With one game remaining, he can become the 11th different franchise player to appear in 82 games in a season.
Over his last four outings, Fears averaged 30.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 6.3 assists. That stretch reinforced his case as a foundational piece.
Decision time for the Pelicans
Given the rookies’ production, the logical step is a rebuild centered on them. Filmogaz.com sources argue the duo should form the team’s core.
Pelicans’ Uncertain Season Concludes with Fears and Queen Leading Forward, making the choice clearer. Joe Dumars and company now face a low-risk path to reset the franchise.
The season provided answers despite its chaotic arc. Fears and Queen offered a tangible blueprint for the team’s next chapter. The organization must decide whether to commit to that plan.
