The New Orleans Pelicans Forward Herb Jones was named to an All-NBA Defensive Team for the first time in his career last season. Jones received 66 first-team votes and 27 second-team votes on the All-Defensive Team, where he was the only non-center on the first team. He finished fifth in Defensive Player of the Year voting and became the fourth player in franchise history to make an All-Defensive Team.
ESPN has released its predictions for the 2024-25 Defensive Player of the Year, and Jones has been named among the potential candidates.
ESPN experts vote for the defensive player of the year for the 2024-25 season:
1. Victor Wembanyama: 76 points
2. Rudy Gobert: 29 points
3. Bam Adebayo: 26 points
4. Anthony Davis: 14 points
5. Mikal Bridges: 10 points
6. Jrue Holiday: 8 points
7. Joel Embiid: 5 points
T-8.… pic.twitter.com/YT0SdHAHJg— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 20, 2024
San Antonio Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama is the odds-on favorite to win the award. The roster is loaded with centers and power forwards, with Jones given the fifth-best odds among non-traditional big men. The former Alabama standout could boost his potential with another strong season like last year.
He led a Pelicans team that finished sixth in defense last season as the team leader in steals (105) and second in blocks (62). Throughout the year, teammates Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III and others campaigned for Jones to get the recognition he deserved. By nature, his quiet demeanor doesn’t play politics for himself, but defense has always been on his mind, even when he was playing high school football.
“I always wanted to play defense,” Jones told reporters. “I loved throwing interceptions. Being able to read the play. If the quarterback thinks he’s taking something away from me, it gives me a lot of joy to be able to read his brain and figure it out.”
He’s also made strides offensively. Jones set career highs in points (11), assists (2.6) and three-point shooting (41.8 percent) last season. He’s developing into a true two-way player who’s invaluable to the Pelicans’ roster.
New Orleans signed Jones to a contract extension in 2023 A 4-year, $54 million guaranteed contract. The contract is guaranteed, but given Jones’ production and year-over-year improvement, this contract appears to be one of the best in the NBA right now. His value could increase defensively with the addition of Dejounte Murray to the team.
Murray is a former All-NBA defender himself and was the NBA’s top stealer in 2022. His arrival could prevent Jones from playing the entire game on the opponent’s best perimeter player. The duo can take turns in the decisive defense, allowing each to have fresher legs or make a bigger impact on offense.
