Drafted a year and a half ago, in 35th position, Herb Jones didn’t take long to establish himself as one of the best defensemen in the league and that impression continues to grow stronger as the months, weeks and even games pass.
To be convinced of this, just look at his performance delivered this week against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, limited to only 7/21 on shots and 1/6 at 3-pts, with 7 ball losses, against them Pelicans. And more precisely at 2/9 on shots and 0/3 at 3-pts, with 4 ball losses, when the 24-year-old winger (4 interceptions, 3 blocks) was defending on him…
” Herb is exceptional. His defensive instincts are incredible. He defends on the best attacking opponent every night and he does it fantastically “, praised him after the fact his coach, Willie Green.
What arouse the admiration of his teammates, relieved of certain tasks thanks to the defensive activity of the sprawling Herb Jones (10.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.2 interception and 0.8 against average).
“ He’s the most special defender I’ve ever seen », marveled for example Zion Williamson about her. “ He does some of the most amazing things. He goes on the field, he fights and he does whatever the coach asks him to do. That’s what I respect about him, every night. »
A future regular in the best defensive five?
More renowned for his defense than for his attack, and even before he arrived in the NBA, Herb Jones readily accepted him. It must be said that it was above all his defensive skills that pushed the leaders of New Orleans to draft him in June 2021 and then sign him for three years.
” I grew up just wanting to defend », squarely recognized the person concerned. ” I love playing basketball, I also love attacking, who doesn’t anyway? But I also know that defense is just as important. I can lead and show others that you can do both, that is to say on each side of the floor. This does not mean being a padlocking defender, but simply giving the extra effort in defense makes all the difference. »
What imagine a future for him in one of the two best defensive fives this season? Not impossible, especially since Herb Jones has already been chosen by ten voters to appear in the “All-Defensive Second Team” during his rookie year (9.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.7 steals and 0.8 against average) .
” It’s one of the accolades I’m striving for “, confessed the former resident of Alabama, selected in the” All-Rookie Second Team “. “ I feel like getting selected to an All-Defensive Team speaks not just to my qualities, but also to the kind of person I am. [Je fais] what is best for the team. If you appear in an All-Defensive Team, you’re seen as the hard worker, the one that binds the team together, and I like being that guy. »
Who knows, maybe the versatile Herb Jones could even challenge for Defender of the Year in the future. Adding his name alongside illustrious outsiders rewarded, such as Michael Jordan, Kawhi Leonard or Gary Payton, or players drafted in the second round, such as Dennis Rodman, Draymond Green or Marc Gasol.
| Herb Jones | Percentage | Bounces | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Crew | GM | Minimum | Shots | 3 points | LF | Off | Def | Early | pd | party | Int | bp | CT | Points |
| 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 | 17 | 28 | 44.4 | 28.6 | 74.1 | 1.2 | 2.5 | 3.7 | 2.1 | 3.3 | 1.2 | 1.2 | 0.8 | 10.6 |
| Total | 95 | 30 | 46.9 | 32.6 | 81.6 | 1.3 | 2.5 | 3.8 | 2.1 | 3.1 | 1.6 | 1.3 | 0.8 | 9.7 | |
