The transition from starter to reserve can be a tough adjustment for anyone, especially for a rookie point guard on a 19-43 rebuilding team. Unfortunately for Jeremiah Fears, James Borrego is working in a crowded backcourt while making a case to keep the full-time job. Thankfully, Dejounte Murray and Jordan Poole have helped the former Oklahoma player find value in a new perspective as the New Orleans Pelicans move into the final stretch of an otherwise lost season.
With Murray and Trey Murphy III healthy and available, Fears couldn't complain about being the odd man out. However, after making 44 starts in 62 games, it meant learning a new rhythm and routine. What's important to having a strong All-Rookie season?
"Being able to make adjustments on the fly, getting out there, getting a feel for the game early. Seeing my first shot, letting my teammates continue to lift me up," Fears confessed. "Credit to them, credit to the coaches for trusting me and making the right plays. I had too many turnovers (against the Los Angeles Clippers), but I'll definitely watch film and try to learn from it."
Learning some lessons that provide a ray of hope moving forward is all that is left for the Pelicans. DeAndre Jordan has served as the bench coach for three young veterans who have come in and out of the lineup. Yves Messi, Karlo Matkovic and rookie Derrick Queen have taken it in stride with an eye on development and the next impressive game.
Instead of getting angry, Fears took the advice of two guards who started their careers on the bench. Those bonds have helped the rookie deal with everything that comes with being a professional.
"Talking to Dejounte, talking to Jordan Poole. Just asking questions, continuing to learn and they're giving me some really good advice in the game of basketball, on and off the court," Fears shared. “So, to be able to take the advice they give me and continue to translate them to the court.”
The most important advice is to stay true to yourself during difficult times. Authenticity and heart are everything at this level. Fear has to direct the flow in some ways, go with it in others, until it finds what works.
"Just keep playing my game. I think that's huge. They're telling me to keep playing my game, do what I do to be the point guard on the floor," Fears explained. "You have to be able to talk, lead your teammates, put them in the right positions and most importantly continue to play my game. And I think listening to them and listening to the advice they're giving me, I'm doing that every game. I think it's working 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, Fierce finally looks ready to run the show. Until then, winning a sixth Man of the Month award should be a goal. Borrego understands this well. Showing his ability to come off the bench while leaning on vets or yelling at them will be a major storyline in the final weeks of the season.
