Oklahoma City Thunder Land Jeremiah Fears at No. 7, Add Baltimore’s Derik Queen With 13th Pick to Fuel Future

The NBA Draft is a night of dreams realized, rosters reshaped, and the trajectory of franchises forever altered. And judging by what unfolded last night, the Oklahoma City Thunder didn’t just participate—they dominated. With two high-impact picks locked in, OKC made it clear they’re here to contend, not just coast.

First, let’s talk about the name buzzing across social media feeds, Jeremiah Fears. If you followed college basketball, you know the name. The former Oklahoma Sooners star has been electrifying arenas all season long with his explosiveness, poise, and scoring instincts. Last night, that journey took its next giant leap when the Thunder selected Fears with the 7th overall pick in the NBA Draft.

Thunder fans, buckle in—this kid’s ready to ball.

Jeremiah Fears is a product of tireless hard work and natural ability blending into one electrifying package. Listed at 6-foot-4 with a lethal combination of speed and court vision, Fears has drawn comparisons to some of the league’s brightest young guards. His time with the Oklahoma Sooners showcased not just his scoring prowess but his leadership, intensity, and ability to thrive under pressure.

Throughout the season, Fears averaged 18.9 points, 5.2 assists, and nearly 2 steals per game, becoming the heartbeat of the Sooners’ backcourt. But it wasn’t just the stats—it was how he got them. Clutch shots, lockdown defense, and a fierce competitive streak that earned him national recognition and vaulted him into the NBA lottery.

It’s rare to see a player who combines elite athleticism with such a mature understanding of the game at this stage. Thunder General Manager Sam Presti echoed that sentiment in his post-draft remarks, stating, “Jeremiah brings everything we value—toughness, high basketball IQ, and a relentless work ethic. He’s the kind of player who makes everyone around him better.”

And for Fears, the moment wasn’t just about personal achievement—it was about representing his family, his university, and the state of Oklahoma on the league’s grandest stage. Dressed sharply in his custom suit and flashing that signature confident smile, Fears made it clear: this is just the beginning.

“Man, this feels unreal,” Fears told reporters shortly after hearing his name called. “Oklahoma made me the player I am today. To start my NBA journey with the Thunder? It’s full circle. I’m ready to get to work.”

But the Thunder weren’t done making waves. With the 13th pick, Oklahoma City added another key piece to their puzzle—Derik Queen, the highly touted forward from Baltimore.

If Fears brings backcourt brilliance, Queen brings frontcourt versatility and grit.

At 6-foot-9 with a strong frame and polished footwork, Queen has been on NBA radars since his high school days. His ability to score in the post, stretch the floor, and battle on the glass makes him a prototypical modern forward. His game blends old-school physicality with new-school finesse—exactly what Oklahoma City has been craving to complement their young core.

During his collegiate season, Queen averaged 16.1 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game, imposing his will on both ends of the floor. His defensive instincts, soft touch around the rim, and growing perimeter game make him a matchup nightmare for opponents.

But beyond the stats, Queen brings an edge—the kind of fire that teams covet when building toward championship contention.

“Baltimore raised me tough,” Queen declared in his introductory press conference. “Nothing was handed to me growing up. I worked for everything, and I plan to bring that same hunger to OKC. I’m here to win.”

It’s that chip on his shoulder, combined with raw talent, that has scouts and fans alike buzzing. While some projected Queen as a potential top-10 pick, the Thunder were able to secure him at 13—a value that could prove pivotal in the seasons to come.

What’s more, both picks fit seamlessly into the Thunder’s long-term vision. With a young nucleus already featuring Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City continues to assemble one of the most promising young rosters in the league. The addition of Fears provides another dynamic playmaker who can create offense, defend multiple positions, and take pressure off SGA, while Queen brings size, toughness, and two-way potential in the frontcourt.

The excitement wasn’t limited to the team’s decision-makers—Thunder Nation wasted no time showing love. Social media exploded with fan reactions, from highlight montages of Fears’ game-winning shots to clips of Queen dominating the paint. The message was clear: this draft class could be a game-changer.

NBA analysts across the board praised OKC’s aggressive, intelligent approach. ESPN’s draft coverage labeled the Thunder as one of the night’s “biggest winners,” while former players lauded Presti’s continued mastery of the draft process.

“You’ve got to respect what the Thunder are doing,” one analyst remarked on-air. “Fears and Queen? That’s a power move. These two can contribute immediately and grow with this young core. Watch out.”

Of course, with draft night now behind them, the real work begins. Summer League is right around the corner, where Fears and Queen will have their first opportunity to showcase their skills in Thunder blue. Expectations will be high, but both players have proven they thrive under the spotlight.

For Jeremiah Fears, it’s about continuing to develop his playmaking, refining his jumper, and adjusting to the pace of the NBA. But with his mentality, few doubt his ability to rise to the occasion.

As for Derik Queen, it’s about carving out his role—whether as a starter or off the bench—and proving he can translate his physical tools to the NBA level. His rebounding, defensive motor, and offensive versatility could earn him immediate minutes alongside Holmgren and OKC’s evolving frontcourt.

One thing’s certain: Oklahoma City’s future just got a whole lot brighter.

Draft night often represents hope—the belief that the right picks can alter the destiny of a franchise. For the Thunder, last night felt like more than hope. It felt like confirmation that the plan is working, that the foundation is in place, and that with additions like Fears and Queen, this young squad is ready to take the next step toward NBA supremacy.

The message from the organization, the players, and the fanbase is loud and clear—it’s time to ball out.

Oklahoma City came out swinging on draft night, and with Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen in the fold, the Thunder just might be the team everyone’s watching next season and beyond.