NBA First-Team All-Defense honor puts Herb Jones in unique territory within New Orleans franchise history
Among the various things Herb Jones has accomplished during his brief three-year NBA career, one of the most important feats can only be appreciated within the context of franchise history. On Tuesday, Jones became the fourth New Orleans player in its 22 seasons to claim the prestigious honor of being named NBA First-Team All-Defense.
READ THE FULL STORYHerb Jones 23-24 Season Stats & NBA Rankings:
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1-of-7 NBA players to average at least 1.4 steals and 0.8 blocks per game (min. 30 GP). -
Tied for 13th in the NBA in steals per game, averaging 1.4 per game. -
1-of-9 NBA players to have at least three games this season with five-plus steals recorded. -
Tied for 16th in the NBA in defensive box plus/minus, with a 1.5 defensive box plus/minus on the season (min. 70 GP). -
Tied for 15th in total charges drawn, with 12 charges on the season. -
Ranked 17th in the NBA in total steals and blocks, notching 167 steals and blocks this season. -
1.3 block percentage, falling in the 80th percentile and holds a 2.0 steal percentage, falling in the 93rd percentile of all NBA forwards. -
Tied for 3rd in the NBA in contested 3PT shots per game (3.4). -
When in defensive isolation, Jones ranked 11th in the NBA in points per possession, allowing 0.73 PPP (min. 70 GP).
Herb Jones' Best Games of the 2023-24 NBA Season
- đź“Š Posted 17 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and a career-high 7 steals.
- âž• Finished the game a +36.
- 🔒 Jones’ 7 steals is tied for the most steals in a game by any NBA player this season.
- đź”’ Jones becomes the fourth player in franchise history to notch 7+ steals in a game.
- 🎯 Scored 21 points, converting 6-of-7 (.857) from the field and a perfect 9-of-9 from the foul stripe.
- đź”’ Posted 3 steals and a season-high 4 blocks
- âž• Finished the game a +10.
- đź“Š Posted 4 steals and 3 blocks
- đź”’ This is the 12th time this season that a player has posted four-plus steals and three-plus blocks in a win.
- 💪🏿Returned to the starting lineup after missing three games due to a leg injury, posting 19 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 5 steals and 2 blocks
- âž• Finished the game a +8.
- 🎯 Scored a team-high 17 points, shooting 5-of-9 (.556) from the floor, 3-of-6 (.500) from three-point range and a perfect 4-of-4 from the free throw stripe.
- đź”’ Jones added 9 rebounds and 5 steals.
- đź”’ Posted four steals and one block in 35 minutes of action.
- đź“Š Tallied 6 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist and 2 steals
- đź”’ Jones and the Pelicans held Tyrese Haliburton to zero points in 23 minutes of play. Haliburton went 0-of-7 from the field and only tossed out three assists.
- âž• Finished the game a +30.
- đź“Š Tied a career-high with 8 assists to go along with 13 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks.
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Rod Walker: Herb Jones' case for NBA All-Defensive team obvious, even if he won't say it
Every team needs a glue guy, a player who makes everything come together. That’s what Jones is for the Pelicans. He’s their Draymond Green in his prime, except without all the extra stuff.
READ MORE | NOLA.COM -
Herb Jones shuns the spotlight. His teammates say his impact has been enormous.
Team success is what contents Jones. Sometimes, Murphy thinks Jones should self-promote more. Murphy has done his part to evangelize Jones’ impact. Every time Murphy gets asked about Jones’ defense, he has the same response: “First Team All-Defense: Herb Jones.”
READ MORE | NOLA.COM -
A Lot On Herb: Jones Remains Keystone of Pelicans Defense
Jones’ defensive playmaking fuels New Orleans’ turnover-heavy defense. His 2.6% steal rate landed in the 96th percentile and his 2.1% block rate ranked among the top 25 non-bigs last year.
READ MORE | THE BIRD WRITES -
If you don't believe Herb Jones is one of NBA's top defenders, ask Luka Doncic
Doncic finished with a season-low 16 points on 5 of 16 shooting. It was just the second time this season he didn't score at least 23 points in a game. It was also the lowest point total of the season for the Mavericks, the NBA’s second-leading scoring team.
READ MORE | NOLA.COM -
Pelicans forward Herb Jones states early case for All-Defensive NBA honors with dominant performance
Pelicans forward Herb Jones is one of the league's best defenders, but you wouldn't know that by looking at his accolades. After being snubbed for a spot on an All-Defensive team last season, Jones isn't going to be ignored this year.
READ MORE | YARDBARKER.COM -
Pelicans' Herb Jones All-Defensive campaign gains more steam after De'Aaron Fox lockdown
Most advanced and hustle stats have Jones near the top of the class. Jones is second overall in contested three-pointers per game and sixth in total charges drawn. The groundswell of support for Jones being a First-Team All-Defensive player is getting more attention by the day.
READ MORE | CLUTCH POINTS -
Herb Jones, with new contract in hand, explains why 'no dollar amount could slow the grind'
Fresh off signing a four-year, $54 million deal in June, Jones is going as hard as ever. The 25-year-old forward has racked up 25 steals and 19 blocks in 12 games. The 3.67 "stocks" (steals plus blocks) he’s averaging is second in the NBA, behind only Anthony Davis of the Lakers.
READ MORE | NOLA.COM
He covers every part of the floor, takes charges, is active on the ball, off the ball. He's elite. He'll be All-Defensive team this year for sure.
Defensively, it's unbelievable [to have Herb back]. He's active everywhere, from one end of the court to the other end of the court in two seconds. He's a great defender.
Herb's so key to our team. We’re putting him on (opposing) best players, no matter who they are, and he’s taking the challenge. He’s a special defensive player. His instincts are incredible.”
If this man is not 1st Team All-Defense I don't know what requirements you need to make it at that point...If I'm in war, I want him on my side.
“He’s just a great defender. You could see his impact today because he wasn’t there the first game. I really admire that guy.”
-Luka DoncicIt's rare to see Luka Doncic have a half like he's had to begin tonight's game against the Pelicans. He has 7 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist, while turning it over 6 times and shooting 2-12 FG and 1-3 3P.
— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) November 15, 2023
how it started vs. how it ended pic.twitter.com/d19aNDubB4
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) March 16, 2024
“Herb Jones is a monster. He’s one of my favorite players to watch and I don’t even like defense. I didn’t play defense.”
-JJ Redick on Herb Jones“Herb Jones is a monster. He’s one of my favorite players to watch and I don’t even like defense. I didn’t play defense.”
— Boot Krewe Media (@BootKreweMedia) December 4, 2023
-JJ Redick on Herb Jones
Via- @OldManAndThree
đź“ş- https://t.co/hRtlpSTn7P pic.twitter.com/O0XLwudLVi
HERB JONES CHASEDOWN. MATT RYAN AND-ONE.
— NBA (@NBA) November 18, 2023
The energy in New Orleans đź’Ż
🏆 NBA In-Season Tournament
🏀 West Group B action on the NBA App
📱 https://t.co/qa8IqSj4dK pic.twitter.com/JF70A0YMGb
“Herb does the dirty work.. & now you can sprinkle in that he’s shooting the 3 at a high clip. I don’t know what he does in the summer, but I will go out on a limb & say he works on his game. He enjoys playing defense, we need more of those guys in this league.”
-Jason Kidd on Herb Jones“Herb does the dirty work.. & now you can sprinkle in that he’s shooting the 3 at a high clip. I don’t know what he does in the summer, but I will go out on a limb & say he works on his game. He enjoys playing defense, we need more of those guys in this league.”
— Pro Pels Talk (@ProPelsTalk) January 15, 2024
@konradreed5 pic.twitter.com/d5oj0nB1Kl
Herb Jones guarding key opposing players:
| Player (Team) | Matchup Minutes | PTS | FGM | FGA | FG% | TOV | BLKS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paul George (LAC) | 15:53 | 19 | 7 | 21 | 33.30% | 3 | 3 |
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC) | 13:14 | 12 | 5 | 14 | 35.70% | 1 | 1 |
| Dejounte Murray (ATL) | 11:16 | 4 | 2 | 10 | 20.00% | 2 | 2 |
| Terry Rozier (MIA) | 10:31 | 12 | 5 | 13 | 38.50% | 0 | 1 |
| Lauri Markkanen (UTA) | 10:26 | 7 | 2 | 12 | 16.70% | 0 | 0 |
| Tyrese Haliburton (IND) | 10:08 | 4 | 2 | 6 | 33.30% | 0 | 0 |
| Malik Monk (SAC) | 9:47 | 9 | 2 | 8 | 25.00% | 1 | 2 |
| Jerami Grant (POR) | 8:04 | 10 | 3 | 8 | 37.50% | 1 | 0 |
| Fred VanVleet (HOU) | 7:56 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% | 1 | 0 |
| James Harden (LAC) | 7:37 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0.00% | 2 | 0 |
| Jordan Poole (WAS) | 7:18 | 8 | 3 | 8 | 37.50% | 3 | 0 |
| Michael Porter Jr. (DEN) | 6:15 | 7 | 3 | 8 | 37.50% | 0 | 0 |
| Kawhi Leonard (LAC) | 6:15 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 0.00% | 0 | 0 |
| Paolo Banchero (ORL) | 5:46 | 7 | 3 | 8 | 37.50% | 3 | 0 |
| Immanuel Quickley (TOR) | 5:30 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% | 3 | 0 |
| Trae Young (ATL) | 5:18 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0.00% | 1 | 0 |
| Jordan Clarkson (UTA) | 5:04 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 0.00% | 0 | 0 |
| Harrison Barnes (SAC) | 5:02 | 5 | 1 | 5 | 20.00% | 0 | 0 |
| Gary Trent Jr. (TOR) | 4:56 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 25.00% | 0 | 0 |
| Cam Thomas (BKN) | 4:46 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0.00% | 0 | 1 |
| Jalen Williams (OKC) | 4:42 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 33.30% | 0 | 0 |
| Keldon Johnson (SAS) | 4:23 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0.00% | 1 | 0 |
| Jalen Brunson (NYK) | 4:14 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 33.30% | 0 | 0 |
| Reggie Jackson (DEN) | 4:09 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0.00% | 0 | 0 |
| Jamal Murray (DEN) | 3:45 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0.00% | 0 | 0 |
| Bones Hyland (LAC) | 3:45 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0.00% | 0 | 0 |
| Grayson Allen (PHX) | 3:40 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0.00% | 0 | 0 |
| Draymond Green (GSW) | 3:39 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% | 1 | 0 |
| Devin Vassell (SAS) | 3:39 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% | 0 | 0 |
| Josh Giddey (OKC) | 3:28 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 25.00% | 0 | 0 |
| Keegan Murray (SAC) | 3:12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% | 0 | 0 |
| Cade Cunningham (DET) | 3:10 | 2 | 1 | 6 | 16.70% | 1 | 3 |
| Caleb Martin (MIA) | 3:09 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 0.00% | 1 | 0 |
| Bam Adebayo (MIA) | 3:05 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0.00% | 0 | 0 |
| Jrue Holiday (BOS) | 3:02 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0.00% | 1 | 0 |
| Nikola Jokić (DEN) | 2:36 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 33.30% | 1 | 0 |
| Luka Dončić (DAL) | 2:33 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 25.00% | 0 | 1 |
| Duncan Robinson (MIA) | 2:30 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0.00% | 1 | 0 |
| Josh Hart (NYK) | 2:28 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 33.30% | 1 | 0 |
| Julius Randle (NYK) | 2:27 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0.00% | 1 | 2 |
| Alex Caruso (CHI) | 2:12 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0.00% | 0 | 0 |
| Myles Turner (IND) | 2:10 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0.00% | 0 | 0 |
| Dillon Brooks (HOU) | 2:07 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0.00% | 0 | 0 |
| Klay Thompson (GSW) | 2:07 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 33.30% | 0 | 0 |
| Jalen Green (HOU) | 2:01 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 25.00% | 0 | 0 |
