NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - The New Orleans Pelicans have a lot on the line tonight as the 2025 NBA Draft gets underway. Fox 8 will air a live draft special from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on the Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network (GCSEN), breaking down the team’s strategy, recent trade moves, and top draft targets.

With the seventh overall pick, the New Orleans Pelicans selected Jeremiah Fears.

Jeremiah Fears arrives for the first round of the NBA basketball draft, Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

Out of all the prospects, Fears was one of the earliest players the Pelicans expressed interest in, scheduling a pre-combine meeting with him back in May.

Scouting report: Freshman combo guard adept at creating space. Averaged 17.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.1 assists. Attempted 6.3 free throws per game. Had a four-point play to beat then-No. 24 Michigan. Shot 28.4% on 3s and averaged 3.4 turnovers. Must add strength. Turns 19 in October.

Oklahoma guard Jeremiah Fears (0) celebrates his three-point basket against Georgia during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game at the Southeastern Conference tournament, Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

The Atlanta Hawks traded the No. 13 pick to the Pelicans for the No. 23 pick and an unprotected 2026 first round pick.

With the 13th overall pick, the Pelicans select Derik Queen.

Derik Queen arrives for the first round of the NBA basketball draft, Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

Scouting report: Skilled freshman who averaged 16.5 points and 9.0 rebounds. Shot 76.6% on free throws and attempted 6.1 per game. Hit buzzer-beater to reach the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16. Made 7 of 35 3s (20%). Had combine’s worst standing vertical leap (23.5 inches) and tied for second-worst in max vertical (28.0).

Maryland center Derik Queen (25) reacts during the second half in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA college basketball tournament game against Florida, Thursday, March 27, 2025, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

The team has also made headlines with a major trade, sending CJ McCollum and Kelly Olynyk to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Jordan Poole, Saddiq Bey, and the No. 40 pick.

With that No. 40 pick, acquired in the recent trade with Washington, New Orleans selected Georgetown guard Micah Peavy.