Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears arrived in Las Vegas for this year’s NBA Summer League only to watch from the sidelines. The New Orleans front office confirmed that neither rookie will suit up, even though Queen appeared in a full slate of games and Fears missed only a single contest during their rookie campaigns. Coach Jamahl Mosley explained that the near-full-season workload is the primary reason they are not playing, emphasizing durability over additional minutes.
Mosley’s rationale centers on the fact that both players logged almost every game in their first season, a demanding schedule for any newcomer. By keeping them out of the Summer League, the staff hopes to preserve their health after a grueling rookie workload, allowing the duo to continue working out with the team throughout the offseason without the strain of competitive play.
The decision came as the Pelicans fell 102-95 to the Minnesota Timberwolves, extending the team’s Summer League losing streak. New Orleans has not won a Summer League game since 2023, and both Queen and Fears were part of the winless record that closed out the previous tournament. Their absence underscores a broader challenge for the franchise, which has struggled to find success in the developmental setting.
Historically, the Pelicans have used Summer League as a development platform for second-year players. Yves Missi, Trey Murphy III and Dyson Daniels all returned after solid rookie seasons, gaining additional experience that helped the franchise stay competitive. Missi, like Queen and Fears, earned All-NBA Rookie Second Team honors in his first year, but chose to return for a second stint in the tournament to refine his game.
Skipping the Summer League removes a low-stakes environment where rookies can experiment without the pressure of regular-season minutes. While the lack of competitive action may slow their integration into the rotation, the preseason will provide the next opportunity for Queen and Fears to earn meaningful minutes. A strong showing in training camp could still secure them roles, but the Pelicans must now rely on established veterans as they navigate the early part of the season.
Leaving the rookies out of Summer League may appear baffling, but it underscores a calculated gamble: protect health now, risk slower growth later. The move forces New Orleans to lean on its seasoned pieces while hoping the duo’s durability translates into immediate impact when the real games begin.
