For Willie Green, it is no coincidence that the Pelicans’ good period is consecutive to the return to the courts ofHerb Jones. Considered the best defender in the squad, the young winger confirms this status since he is the best interceptor and blocker in his team. In the NBA, only Anthony Davis has more interceptions and blocks. Behind this tandem, a certain Victor Wembanyama!
A cumulation named “ stocks » (contraction of steals and blocks) and in history, only eight players have finished a season with at least 2 interceptions and 1.5 blocks on average. Among them, Hakeem Olajuwon and Shawn Marion.
“The most important thing for me is that after extending, I never rested on my laurels”underlines Herb Jones. “I know it’s not the highest contract anyone has signed for in the NBA. But it’s still a lot of money. Many players, once they have won their first contract, take their foot off the accelerator a little. I just wanted to continue to give my all and show my true love for the game. There really was no amount that could slow the process down.”
Drafted in the second round and already essential
Two years after his Draft, in the second round, Herb Jones had a real impact on his training through his defensive qualities, just like Jose Alvarado. Since he returned, and paired with Dyson Daniels in the five, the Pelicans defense has gone from 20th to 5th in the NBA with currently fewer than 108 points conceded on 100 possessions. Herb Jones’ teammates are 2nd in interceptions, and 7th in turnovers caused.
Able to defend in all five positions, Herb Jones never thinks about attack. For him, points come naturally when you make “stops”.
“I always thought that if I could stop someone, I could find a way to score” he concludes. “As long as I make saves, I don’t have to think too much about the attack.”
| Herb Jones | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2021-22 | NOP | 78 | 30 | 47.6 | 33.7 | 84.0 | 1.3 | 2.5 | 3.8 | 2.1 | 3.1 | 1.7 | 1.3 | 0.8 | 9.5 |
| 2022-23 | NOP | 66 | 30 | 46.9 | 33.5 | 76.4 | 1.5 | 2.6 | 4.1 | 2.5 | 3.2 | 1.6 | 1.3 | 0.6 | 9.8 |
| 2023-24 | NOP | 12 | 32 | 49.4 | 31.6 | 87.5 | 0.6 | 3.8 | 4.3 | 2.9 | 3.8 | 2.1 | 1.3 | 1.6 | 11.3 |
| Total | 156 | 30 | 47.4 | 33.4 | 81.0 | 1.3 | 2.7 | 4.0 | 2.3 | 3.2 | 1.7 | 1.3 | 0.8 | 9.8 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
