Jeremiah Fears lays out NBA All-Star plans for Derrick Queen’s showdown

For a rookie trying to establish himself in an NBA rotation, an invitation to All-Star Weekend is both validation and a measuring stick. It’s a process that has broken many lotteries, so yes James Borrego helped Jeremy Ferce create the map from the plan right after the NBA draft. Fortunately for the restoration New Orleans Pelicansit was even room for Derrick Queen in a worthy edition of Rising Star.

Fears was all smiles when talking about paying recently.

“It’s pretty exciting,” Fears began. “I came in July and that was one of the goals, to just help our team do everything in our power to somehow put ourselves in this position (in the NBA Rising Stars game). So it’s super exciting. The feeling and the emotion still hasn’t worked. I’m pretty sure it will when we go out there and step on the court for the first time.”

As for his game plan on the court, Fears emphasizes enjoyment over everything else. The Rising Stars format, which pits top rookies and sophomores against each other in a mini-tournament, offers a low-stakes environment to showcase skills. The Fears intend to make the most of it, especially with a familiar face on the opposition side.

“Just going out there and having fun, playing against DK a little bit and showing everybody what we’re capable of…continuing to enjoy every second, every single moment, and taking it all in,” Fears explained. “We know we will be there (in NBA All-Star Game) in a few years.”

That “DK” refers to fellow Pelicans rookie Derrick Quinn, who also received an invite. Sharing the experience with a teammate from the same draft class adds a special layer to the weekend for Strahova. It is a testament to their quick integration into the team and the support of the veterans.

“It feels really good. Two rookies came in the same class and our teammates believed in us,” Fears noted. “They did a really good thing to bring us here. … We’re really excited to come out and show everyone what we’re capable of.”

However, the duo will not team up in the game; The queen landed on the opposite team.

Pelicans risk friendly fire

Fears take this into account, seeing it as an opportunity to increase the entertainment value. Although they will compete fiercely during the event, their bond remains unbreakable.

“It is what it is,” Fears shrugged. “We can’t control that … we’re definitely going to go at each other and compete. At the end of the day, when All-Star weekend is over, we’re going to get back on the same page and be a family again. If we’re on opposite teams, we’ve got to go at each other and make it fun. Give the fans something to laugh about and be excited about.”

Interim head coach James Borrego echoes the pride surrounding the rookie’s accomplishments. Under his leadership, Fears and Queen thrived.

“Proud of them, they have a great start to a bright future,” Borrego began. “Their best days are ahead of them, but they’ve made the most of their opportunity. They deserve it; that’s where they belong. I’m thrilled for them and they’re going to have a great time. Congratulations to them and their families. It’s a big deal regardless of where you’re drafted or not. To make that (NBA rising star) game is a huge accomplishment.”

For Fears, All-Star Weekend isn’t just a celebration… it’s a stepping stone. His laid-back approach combines gratitude, competitiveness and forward-thinking ambition. And if his confidence holds in his new role, full All-Star recognition may not be far off.