Yeah, it's worth it.
Since 2005-06, OU hasn't made the tournament without an NBA level player. Blake, Buddy, Trae, Reaves, Fears. Unless we get another Sampson level coach and investment from leadership, this isn't changing. The ceiling is the floor, and the floor isn't very high.
2019 would be the one exception, but your point is well-taken.
In hindsight, I would definitely still want Fears because anytime a coaching staff can boast about an NBA player to recruits, it can only help. It may or may not make a difference, but there is certainly no downside to having a guy like Fears representing in the NBA.