James Borrego praises ‘mature’ Jeremy Fears after impressive start

Beginners often face a steep learning curve, but rebuilding the New Orleans Pelicans may have found the hottest ‘kids’ in the 2025 NBA Draft. Estimates of Jeremiah Fears by James Borrego after 27 games it sounds less like a coach managing a development curve and more like one describing a player who is already comfortable with the responsibility.

Fears, who has started 25 of his first 27 NBA games, is averaging 15.7 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists while shooting 44.8% from the field and 36.4% from three-point range. The numbers are solid for any beginner. What Borrego points out, however, is how they numbers are produced.

“There’s a maturity to him,” Borrego began. “There’s a maturity in the game management. I think his game management is getting better. He takes what the defense gives him. He doesn’t force every possession. If the play calls for him to pass it and shoot the ball, he shoots.”

For a young guard thrust into a starting role almost immediately, restraint is often the last skill. Fears showed it early. Instead of chasing bullets or trying to dictate every possession, he showed an understanding of flow. When to attack, when to ease up and when to let the offense breathe seems second nature to the Oklahoma alum.

Borrego also pointed to Fears’ command of pace as a defining trait. In a league where a transition offense can quickly swing games, the Pelicans may have finally found a tone-setter.

“I like his pace. He sets the tone for us in transition. Obviously, end-to-end, hit and miss, he sets the pace for us.”

That ability to consistently apply pressure regardless of whether the previous possession resulted in a basket has become a subtle but significant part of how Fears operates. The defense is forced to organize earlier, and teammates benefit from cleaner opportunities before the floor fills up. The clearest example of that growth came in the closing minutes of a recent win over the Chicago Bulls.

Pelicans favor Jeremiah Fears

With the game tightening, Borrego entrusted Fears with finishing the night, and the rookie delivered without exaggeration.

“I was really proud of the way he closed out the fourth quarter (in Chicago). That was a very mature close for a young guy,” Borrego said. “I didn’t feel like any of his possessions were rushed or forced. He was composed, obviously making big shots, but he made the right play with a layup that got us a 3-pointer around the corner. Those are very mature plays for a young guy.”

Choosing the right game over the loud ones is often what separates promising shooters from reliable closers. For Borrego, Fears’ willingness to prioritize decision-making over personal production is a sign of long-term sustainability.

After 27 games, new statistics show progress. Borrego’s comments suggest something more important: trust. Fears aren’t just about surviving the first starting role. The 19-year-old guard is learning how to manage games, control the tempo and close out wins.