As a rookie player, perhaps the toughest adjustment to make entering the NBA is getting ready for the rigors of a grueling 82-game schedule and preparing your body accordingly.
New Orleans Pelicans rookie Herb Jones knew how difficult it could be considering the most games he had played in one season at Alabama were 33. He reached that mark this season with the Pelicans by the end of December and has now played in 56 games as of the All-Star break.
Jones said keeping a strict diet has been key to staying ready.
Just staying on top of my recovery, my sleep and my diet. I feel like it has helped a lot. … That was pretty much the emphasis coming in knowing that we have to play 82 games, maybe more. Just making sure your body is going to be able to sustain over that amount of time and that many games. I was kinda prepared for it coming in and I don’t think it is too much you can prepare for if you haven’t been through it but I feel like I’m doing the best I can.
Jones, 23, has sought-after advice from veteran teammates and others to prepare and it appears that has paid off for him. He was named to the NBA Rising Stars game after averaging 9.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.4 steals on 50% shooting from the field this season.
Herb Jones really is that dude pic.twitter.com/jJ90lY2bUv
— Adam Weil (@AdamWeil22) February 11, 2022
The 35th pick has emerged as a star on defense with the Pelicans.
Jones leads all rookie players with 81 steals and is 10th overall in the NBA. He is fourth among all players in deflections (168) as his 7-foot wingspan disrupts passing lanes while his quickness and agility help him stay in front of players.
The work put in by Jones has impressed those around him, and even his peers around the league. Jones credited veteran Garrett Temple for helping him stay on top of things this season and that has resulted in a strong rookie campaign for him.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
[lawrence-related id=47968,47174,42365]
[mm-video type=video id=01fwjejhw8dq91smy524 playlist_id=01f09kz5ecxq9bp57b player_id=01f1jxkahtwnvzepyp image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01fwjejhw8dq91smy524/01fwjejhw8dq91smy524-0d7eb96a4b8ecf54e9165ff5d6e25cfc.jpg]
[listicle id=72963]