The New Orleans Pelicans are embarking on a bold new chapter as they continue to navigate the 2025-2026 NBA season, with youth development and unexpected lineup changes taking center stage. Just one day after a tough 139-118 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, the Pelicans are set to face the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday, February 22, 2026, with a notable shakeup: veteran center DeAndre Jordan will return to the starting lineup for the first time since late October, replacing Bryce McGowens. This move signals a blend of experience and youth as the franchise seeks to maximize the development of its promising rookie duo, Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears.
DeAndre Jordan’s return to the court is a storyline all its own. The seasoned big man hasn’t played since October 29, 2025, but he’s now been tapped to start against Philadelphia. Over two regular-season games, including one previous start, Jordan has averaged 4.5 points and 5.0 rebounds in just 11.5 minutes per outing. While those numbers may not leap off the page, his presence brings a veteran steadiness to a team otherwise defined by its youthful exuberance and ongoing rebuild.
Head coach Willie Green’s decision to insert Jordan into the starting five in place of McGowens raises questions about the Pelicans’ immediate priorities. Are they looking for a defensive anchor to steady the ship, or simply seeking to balance the minutes among their developing roster? What’s clear is that the Pelicans are not chasing wins at all costs this season. Sitting at 14th in the Western Conference with a 15-42 record, the franchise has shifted its focus to nurturing its next generation of stars.
That next generation is headlined by the dynamic pair of Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears, two rookies whose performances have given fans genuine reasons for optimism even in a season short on victories. Against Milwaukee, both players delivered standout efforts that underscored their immense potential. Fears, the No. 7 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, scored 16 points, collected four rebounds, handed out five assists, and swiped two steals in 29 minutes off the bench. He shot 7-of-13 from the field, showcasing his knack for attacking the rim despite missing all three of his attempts from beyond the arc.
Fears is making the most of his opportunities, largely coming off the bench but playing with a confidence and maturity that belies his age. He’s currently averaging 13.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.3 steals per game, putting him firmly in the conversation for an NBA All-Rookie team selection. For a franchise that’s seen only seven players make an All-Rookie team—four on the first team and three on the second—Fears’ emergence is a breath of fresh air.
Meanwhile, Derik Queen, taken 13th overall after the Pelicans traded away their unprotected 2026 first-round pick, has quickly silenced critics of that draft-day gamble. Queen started against the Bucks and delivered a stat sheet-stuffing performance: 18 points, nine rebounds, four assists, three steals, and two blocks in 28 minutes, all while shooting an efficient 7-of-10 from the floor. Though he didn’t attempt a three-pointer, Queen’s all-around game was on full display, echoing the strengths scouts raved about during the draft process.
Queen’s season averages—12.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game on 50% shooting from the field, 28% from three, and 77% from the free-throw line—suggest he’s not just a project, but a player with the potential to anchor the Pelicans’ frontcourt for years to come. His ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game, from scoring and rebounding to distributing and defending, has made him a cornerstone of the team’s rebuild.
“We’re seeing growth from both of our young guys every night,” said a team spokesperson, echoing the sentiment of many in the Pelicans’ front office. While fans may lament the loss of a future first-round pick, Queen’s rapid development offers a silver lining, and the chemistry he’s developing with Fears could pay dividends down the road.
If both rookies continue on their current trajectories, they could make franchise history by becoming the first Pelicans duo ever to earn All-Rookie honors in the same season. It’s a rare feat—only seven Pelicans have received the honor in the past, with names like Zion Williamson, Anthony Davis, Darren Collison, Chris Paul, Yves Missi, Herb Jones, and Marcus Thornton gracing the list. The prospect of two more joining those ranks is energizing a fanbase hungry for hope.
Of course, the Pelicans’ season hasn’t been without its growing pains. The lopsided loss to Milwaukee was a reminder of the challenges that come with youth and inexperience. Yet, individual player development remains the top priority. “At this point, the season isn’t about winning, but seeing the rookie duo of Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears develop,” wrote Jed Katz, a prominent basketball journalist and University of Wisconsin-Madison student. His assessment captures the prevailing mood in New Orleans: the future may be uncertain, but it’s undeniably bright.
The decision to start DeAndre Jordan against the 76ers adds an intriguing wrinkle to the Pelicans’ developmental narrative. Jordan’s veteran leadership could provide a stabilizing force for Queen and Fears, both on and off the court. It’s not just about what happens in the box score—mentorship, communication, and professionalism all matter in the growth of young players.
Looking ahead, the Pelicans’ immediate schedule offers more opportunities for their young core to shine, learn, and adapt. With playoff hopes all but extinguished, the remaining games are a laboratory for experimentation and growth. The coaching staff’s willingness to tinker with the lineup, as evidenced by Jordan’s insertion, speaks to a franchise unafraid to prioritize long-term development over short-term results.
As the Pelicans prepare to take on the 76ers, all eyes will be on the evolving chemistry between Queen, Fears, and the rest of the roster. Can this rookie duo keep up their impressive play? Will DeAndre Jordan’s return spark a defensive resurgence or simply offer a steadying presence for the youngsters? Only time will tell, but one thing’s certain: the New Orleans Pelicans are embracing the journey, setbacks and all, as they lay the groundwork for a brighter tomorrow.
With the spotlight firmly on their young stars and a veteran anchor back in the mix, the Pelicans are set for another test—and perhaps another glimpse of the future—against Philadelphia. The action is ongoing, and the story of this season is far from finished.