One of the biggest surprises among draft prospects this season has been the dramatic rise of Oklahoma Sooners guard Jeremiah Fears. The combination of speed, slashing, and handle that Fears possesses has been carving up defenses. Fears have a real shot of going in the lottery alongside guards like Dylan Harper and VJ Edgecombe. While it’s unlikely that Fears will go in the top five like Harper and Edgecombe, there are many lottery teams where he can fit. Let’s dive into the best fits for Jeremiah Fears among teams currently projected to be in the 2025 NBA Draft lottery.
Best Fits for Jeremiah Fears Among Lottery Teams
Chicago Bulls
One of the best teams that the Joliet native fits the best on is his local Chicago Bulls. Continuing the trend of taking local prospects, Fears will be the long-term prospect they need for the rebuild. Specifically, if Fears improves on his weaknesses, he can be one of the best players in his draft class. Chicago does have other young guards like Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, and Josh Giddey. However, Fears has the physical tools and amazing talent to attack the rim, which separates his potential from the others. Unquestionably the level of potential that Fears possess is exactly what the Chicago Bulls need to jumpstart a full-on rebuild.
On the other hand, Fears will benefit greatly from playing in a low-stakes environment like Chicago. Fears has several areas of his game that he must work on to reach his potential. Particularly, Fears must improve his three-point shooting, and he has to clean up his turnovers. Furthermore, Fears should also improve upon his shot selection. With the Bulls, Fears will get the opportunity to play through the mistakes and improve. As long as he improves, Chicago will have an excellent player on their hands.
Brooklyn Nets
Like Chicago, the Brooklyn Nets would be an excellent place for Fears to be drafted. The Nets are in dire need of high-end young talent on their roster and adding Fears can fix that to a degree. With Fears, Brooklyn will have a significant piece to start their rebuild alongside someone like Noah Clowney. Fears’ ability to get in the lane and beat defenders off the dribble is something the Nets don’t have among their younger pieces. The upside that Fears has if he can reach his potential can give the Nets a brighter future.
For Fears, Brooklyn will be another excellent place where he can further develop his game, like with Chicago. The uncertain futures of Cam Thomas and Nic Claxton will impact whether or not Fears becomes the main focus out on the court. Nonetheless, Brooklyn will still be a good place for Fears to develop without any stakes.
San Antonio Spurs
While Fears wouldn’t be the main focus with San Antonio, he will still find a good fit next to Victor Wembanyama. In Fears, the Spurs will find a potential starter at the point guard position that San Antonio has been looking for. Granted, the De’Aaron Fox trade situation can put into question the fit of Fears with the Spurs. Nevertheless, Fears will be a long-term option next to Wembanyama, who will benefit from another shot creator next to him.
Fears will benefit immensely from playing next to Wembanyama on both ends of the court. Defensively, Wembanyama can help with Fears and his defensive shortcomings. Offensively, Wembanyama gives Fears someone who can help share the offensive burden. Fears will need to further develop his three-point shot to maximize Wembanyama. He will need to cut down on his turnovers. However, he is still an excellent talent who can help San Antonio.
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