Pelicans Rookie Review: Herb Jones Ready To Make History In New Orleans
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The New Orleans Pelicans can lay claim to the best rookie class of the season. Willie Green trusted his three rookies to be on the court simultaneously in pressure-packed playoff games. Beyond the court, 'Trigga Trey, Mr. GTA, and Not on Herb might be three of the most marketable draft picks in recent NBA history. And this is just the beginning.
First-round pick Trey Murphy III gradually grew into the shooter the team needed. Undrafted free agent Jose Alvarado fought his way into becoming a cultural icon that truly represents the city. Second-rounder Herb Jones stole the show all season in proving he was one of the best defenders on the planet.
Not On Herb became an NBA truth because he took the toughest assignment every night and excelled. Per Mark Schindler, Jones had the fourth-lowest foul rate among the elite defenders taking those same assignments. Seeing his name on the NBA's All-Defense team would not be surprising.
There are dozens of stats and advanced metrics to back up the selection. But don’t let the defense fool you, Jones can run an offense and find buckets. That's why his next contract will give him quite a raise.
Apr 17, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones (5) passes the ball against the Phoenix Suns during the second half of game one of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Comparisons to Kawhi Leonard are apt beyond the 6 steals Jones snatched from Lebron's Lakers. Jones can flirt with 30, scoring 26 against the Cleveland Cavaliers just 3 days after Christmas. He grabbed 7+ rebounds on 11 occasions and posted an 11-rebound, 10-point double-double in a win against the Houston Rockets.
Jones was trusted to bring the ball up, initiate actions, and take any open shot he saw. He could be an above-average shooter across the board with just incremental improvements at the rim and off the bounce. Fred Vinson is still working with his catch-and-shoot form, so maybe those extra beats of offense will have to wait until Year 3.
The Pelicans will push Jones to expand his game. They also need to protect their asset. At least one team will offer a big contract with promises of handing Jones the keys to the team. The team is planning out budgets years in advance now to avoid unnecessary luxury tax bills later.
Apr 22, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) is defended by New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones (5) in the first quarter of game three of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
The Pelicans can keep the 23-year-old Jones in town until he is almost 30 with the right contract after the rookie deal. Given his playoff highlights alone, keeping salary cap room to get Jones locked in on another long-term deal should be one of the highest priorities regardless of luxury tax implications.
Herb Jones (35th overall) was trying to make the Opening Night roster from Summer League through the Nashville training camp. Now Jones is a bonafide playoff veteran with a great reputation in the league. He is a rock-solid bet to make the NBA All-Rookie team.
And New Orleans will have one of the premier defensive stoppers in the world for less than $4 million over the next two seasons. By doing so much for so little, Jones provides the kind of value that is crucial to an affordable yet competitive roster.
It's just the beginning for Jones and the Pelicans. There is history to be made beyond being the first second-round rookie to earn multiple NBA honors. He will probably be adding NBA All-Defense honors to his resume for the next decade. He could also be the Kawhi-like catalyst to a championship parade.
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