Herb Jones (Photo by Tyler Kaufman/Getty Images)
After undergoing shoulder surgery that limited him to just 20 games last season, Herb Jones entered the 2025–26 campaign determined to prove that his impact on the New Orleans Pelicans extends far beyond defensive highlights. The 27-year-old forward has evolved from second-round sleeper to cornerstone leader, a player whose steadiness and effort define a franchise motivated to find stability.
Jones’ mission for the new season was simple: to do whatever it takes to win, regardless of personal accolades or stat lines.
“I mean, just contributing to winning,” Jones told RG.org. “Whatever the team needs me to do, I’m willing to do it. And I think a lot of our guys have that same mindset, which I think will help us moving forward.”
That selfless mindset has defined Jones since arriving in New Orleans as the 35th pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. Over four full seasons, he has become a key two-way player and foundational voice for the Pelicans. He earned All-Defensive First Team honors in 2023–24 and is building a reputation as one of the league’s most disciplined and intelligent defenders.
The Pelicans cemented their belief in him this past July with a three-year, $68 million contract extension, which runs through the 2028–29 season and includes a player option for 2029–30. Combined with his existing deal, the total contract value reaches five years and $97 million, a testament to his importance to the franchise’s long-term plans.
Balancing Roles Amid Injuries
Despite a 0–6 start, Jones has remained one of the team’s most reliable contributors, averaging 9.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists through eight games while maintaining his trademark defensive intensity. His impact helped the Pelicans get back-to-back wins to end the drought.
The Pelicans’ early stretch of the season has been defined by injuries to key players like Zion Williamson and Dejounte Murray, among others, requiring Jones to take on more offensive responsibility. Still, his approach hasn’t changed — he continues to find scoring opportunities within the team’s system rather than seeking them out.
“I just kind of play off of guys,” he said. “I let the scorers do what they do, and when defenses help, I try to maximize those opportunities and be efficient in my scoring. I don’t try to go out there and do too much — I just play off my teammates.”
That unselfishness has kept the Pelicans afloat through tough stretches. As the team integrates newcomers like Poole, Saddiq Bey, Kevon Looney, and DeAndre Jordan, Jones has served as the connective piece bridging the young players and veterans alike.
Jones’ growth hasn’t just come from shooting drills or play calls. It’s come from speaking up — learning to guide his teammates as much with his voice as with his actions.
“I think most of my growth has come through just being more vocal and telling guys what I see — not necessarily scoring more points, but coming from a defensive-minded guy, telling guys what I see on the offensive end that we might be able to capitalize on,” Jones said. “If the defense is doing something, I can see it and try to give our guys something to beat it.”
It’s a subtle shift, but one that reflects his growing impact in the league. Once known for his quiet intensity, Jones has embraced a more vocal role as the Pelicans’ roster has only added more youth. His on-court communication now bridges the gap between veterans and developing players, helping the team maintain composure even through its early-season struggles.
Setting the Defensive Standard
When it comes to defense — the foundation of his game — Jones takes pride in being the player who sets the tone. He often draws the toughest assignments in the league, from elite scorers to physical forwards, and relishes the challenge.
“I think it just starts with wanting to do it,” Jones said. “That’s what separates it. A lot of guys are athletic, long wingspans, but they probably just don’t necessarily try as hard. I just contribute it to effort.”
That mindset has defined his reputation across the NBA. Coaches describe him as one of the most prepared defenders in the league — a player who studies film meticulously, anticipates angles, and competes with unrelenting focus. His presence raises the team’s defensive floor, especially during stretches where consistency is elusive.
Jones’ example hasn’t gone unnoticed by the younger players. The Pelicans’ 2025 draft class — headlined by Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears — has quickly adopted his intensity.
“Their competitive nature,” Jones said. “There’s never a day that goes by that we don’t compete. Whenever we do, those guys show up and don’t back down from anything. You gotta love that.”
The forward beams when discussing them, seeing in their mindset a reflection of his own early years. That shared competitiveness, he believes, will fuel the team’s long-term growth.
Veteran Voices and Locker Room Balance
With veterans like Kevon Looney and DeAndre Jordan joining the roster, Jones appreciates the balance they bring — and how their presence allows him to continue developing as a leader himself.
“The wisdom,” Jones said. “We can go ask them questions about things we haven’t experienced that could kind of prep us. Even with that, we might not necessarily have the answers because you’ve got to go through some things to learn. But it’s great having them around — they keep the group even keel when things get too high or too low. It’s always great to have a veteran presence around.”
That veteran stability, combined with Jones’ growing voice, has helped steady a locker room that’s endured back-to-back losing seasons and a challenging start.
“I love the city, my teammates — just New Orleans in general,” Jones said. “I feel at home. Whenever people say it, it almost feels like I’m from there. I was just happy to be able to continue to take care of my family, first of all, and to give the city of New Orleans what they deserve — a competitive, hard-playing, together basketball team.”
For Jones, that quote isn’t a soundbite — it’s a mission statement. He embodies the blue-collar, defense-first spirit that Pelicans fans have long admired, and his new contract represents both loyalty and expectation.
Holding It Down Until Reinforcements Arrive
As the Pelicans await the return of their full roster, Jones has taken it upon himself to maintain the team’s effort and energy each night. He’s focused less on results and more on habits — the kind that eventually turn close losses into consistent wins.
“Being better at the simple things,” he said. “Continuing to play hard and together. Not necessarily living and dying by the wins and losses, but being more consistent with our approach and keeping the competitive spirit high throughout the entire game.”
Still, Jones remains optimistic about what’s ahead once everyone is healthy.
“It’s exciting to think about because we know what those guys bring,” he said. “With the group playing right now, we’re just holding it down for them until they get back. I know they’re only going to give us a boost to what we’re doing. I’m excited for the whole team to be healthy so we can go out there at full strength.”
A Culture Built on Defense and Resilience
The Pelicans’ struggles have tested their chemistry, but Jones’ voice — calm, steady, and grounded — has provided much-needed direction.
His ability to lead by example, challenge teammates defensively, and maintain accountability makes him invaluable to a team trying to climb back into contention.
Through eight games, the Pelicans’ record doesn’t yet reflect their potential, but their foundation is clear. It begins with the mindset Jones described best: wanting to do it — wanting to defend, compete, and represent New Orleans the right way.