Key Takeaways

• Yves Missi, a 2024 first-year center drafted 21st overall out of Baylor, had appeared in 139 games with 81 starts and posted averages of 7.5 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in 23.4 minutes per game, along with 19 career double-doubles.
• Jeremiah Fears, the 2025 first-round guard taken seventh overall from Oklahoma, played all 82 games with 49 starts as a rookie, earned All-Rookie second team honors, and averaged 14.3 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 25.8 minutes per game, with 59 games in double figures including 17 games with 20+ points.
• Derik Queen, the 2025 first-round forward taken 13th overall from Maryland, was named to the NBA All-Rookie second team after posting 11.7 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists over 81 games, starting 48 and averaging 25 minutes per game, including two triple-doubles as a rookie—the only player that season with more than one.
• The Pelicans’ decision to exercise these options comes as the organization transitions in leadership under Joe Dumars, who is serving as executive vice president of basketball operations.
• The team will open the regular season at home against the Indiana Pacers, signaling a tangible push to integrate the trio into a contending core alongside established players like Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy.