Since his debut in the NBA, Herb Jones established himself as an excellent defender. But also as a modest attacker and a discreet shooter. Which explains why defenses have often chosen to leave him alone far from the circle, behind the 3-point line.
But this season, things are better. Especially thanks to the hours spent in the room shooting, again and again. “I just had to work on my weaknesses”, he explains. “I’ve always said it: work never lies. I knew it was going to be a process, that it wasn't going to happen overnight. »
There was already improvement at the start of the season and for the past month, Herb Jones has been very good. In eleven matches, he made nine outings between 13 and 19 points, for an average of 13.5 points. And his success percentages are excellent: 60% on shooting and 58% on 3-pointers, with two winning baskets scored per game.
Work pays
With 11.4 points per game at 51% shooting and 42% 3-point shooting, the New Orleans winger is having the best season of his career, with the same playing time (29 minutes) as during the first two.
“More than anything, he’s a hard worker. No one can question his involvement,” assures his coach Willie Green. “It's not surprising to see him progress like this this season because he did what he needed to do to get these results. »
He therefore becomes another offensive weapon to support Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum and can make those who decide not to go up on him pay. “Teams try to put their weakest defender on him and we draw plays for him so they can’t hide anyone on defense”says the Pelicans coach. “It’s great to see him develop with such confidence. »
Sometimes to the point of showing, on the floor, to his defenders that he is no longer a player who can be left isolated without then paying the consequences. “I love it when he starts talking a little, it gets us in the mood,” laughs Brandon Ingram. “He gives us confidence when he feels comfortable, because we know he will give his all on both ends of the pitch. The intensity it brings is beneficial. »
| 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 | 56 | 29 | 51.4 | 42.9 | 85.2 | 1.1 | 2.5 | 3.6 | 2.5 | 2.9 | 1.3 | 1.2 | 0.8 | 11.4 |
| Total | 200 | 30 | 48.5 | 37.0 | 81.5 | 1.3 | 2.6 | 3.9 | 2.3 | 3.0 | 1.5 | 1.3 | 0.7 | 10.1 | |
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.
