Jeremiah Fears Reveals Dejounte Murray, Jordan Poole’s Eating Advice

Going from starter to backup can be a tough adjustment for anyone, especially a rookie on a rebuilt 19-43 team. Unfortunately for Jeremiah Fears, James Borrego juggles a crowded backfield while building a case to keep a full-time job. luckily Dejounte Murray and Jordan Poole have helped Oklahoma alums find value in a new perspective as The New Orleans Pelicans are moving through the final stretch otherwise a lost season.

With Murray and Trey Murphy III healthy and available, Fears couldn’t complain about being the odd man out. That’s what it meant learning a new rhythm and routine after 44 starts in 62 games. As for what’s important to cap off what should be a strong season for all rookies?

“I can adjust on the fly, get outside, get a feel for the game early. Seeing my first shot coming in, I see my teammates continue to lift me up,” Fears admitted. “Thanks to them, thanks to the coaches for trusting me to be out there and play the right game. I had a little too many turnovers (against the Los Angeles Clippers), but I’m definitely going to watch film and try to learn from it.”

Learning some lessons that provide a silver lining for an upgrade is about all that’s left for the Pelicans. DeAndre Jordan was the bench coach for three young greats who bounced in and out of the lineup. Yves Missy, Karlo Matkovic and newcomer Derrick Quinn took it all in stride with an eye on development and the next impressive game.

Instead of sulking, Fears soaked in the advice of two guards who started their careers on the bench. Those connections helped the rookie get to grips with everything that comes with being a pro.

“I’m talking to Dejounte, I’m talking to Jordan Poole. I’m just asking questions, continuing to learn, and they’ve given me some really good advice about the games of basketball, on the court and off the court,” Fears said. “So just to be able to take the advice they give me and continue to translate it to the court.”

The most important piece of advice was to stay true to yourself in the midst of hard times. Authenticity and heart are everything at this level. Fears must direct the flow in some ways, go with it in others, until it discovers what works.

“Just keep playing your game. I think that was huge. They were telling me to keep playing my game, keep doing what I do to be the point guard on the floor,” Fears explained. “You have to be able to talk, to lead your teammates, to put them in the right positions, and most importantly, to continue to play my game. And I think listening to them and the advice they give me, I do that every game. I think it worked for me.”

The Pelicans have won three of their last five, but with the Western Conference playoff picture out of reach, the focus remains on development. Regardless of the final record, Fears seems poised to eventually run the show. Until then, winning the sixth man of the month award should be the goal. Borrego understands this well. Showing the ability to produce off the bench while leaning on or yelling at the vets will be a key story in the final weeks of the season.