New Orleans Pelicans rookie Herb Jones this season has often drawn praise from his teammates and coaches, and now the second-rounder earned some love from Donovan Mitchell of the Utah Jazz.
Mitchell scored 29 points, including 15 alone in the fourth quarter, to lead the Jazz to a 115-104 win over the Pelicans. On the other side, Jones had 11 points, five rebounds, four steals, one blocked shot and one assist for the Pelicans.
Jones was primarily matched up on Mitchell throughout the contest. He has emerged as a strong defender and is often tasked with guarding the opposition’s top player. Despite Mitchell scoring 17 points on 7-of-9 shooting with Jones on him, Jones managed to force three turnovers.
Unprompted, Mitchell proceeded to offer high praise for Jones.
I do want to say this, though: Herb Jones is going to be in this league for a long time. I gotta give him his props. He has made it tough on me every night we’ve played them. He is a guy that doesn’t talk much but goes out there and competes.
Tonight, he was 4-of-8 for 11 points but, defensively, he is tough. I want to give him his props for that because he is a guy that makes you work, makes you think and just kinda comes to work and does his thing. He is going to be in the league for a while and I hope he is because he is a hell of a player, hell of a kid.
Herb going coast to coast 🤫
📺: @BallySportsNO
📻: @ESPNRadioNOLA pic.twitter.com/nCTjmnN2FO— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) January 4, 2022
Jones leads all rookie players with 47 total steals, while he is sixth among all players in total deflections. His 7-foot wingspan disrupts passing lanes while his quickness and agility helps him stay in front of players, as he did versus Mitchell on Monday.
While known as a defender, Jones has put in countless hours in the gym this season to improve on offense. He is often the first in the gym and last to leave and that work has paid off with his offensive game seemingly improving on a nightly basis.
Jones has certainly impressed the coaching staff and his teammates, and now others around the league are starting to notice him. He has consistently produced when called upon and that should ensure only good things are in store for him this year.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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