Tag: Herb Jones

Donovan Mitchell offers high praise for Pelicans rookie Herb Jones

Mitchell believes Jones has a bright future ahead and will be in the NBA for a long time.

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.

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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Rookie Wire Power Rankings: Franz Wagner boogies up to No. 1 spot

Rookie Wire takes a look at the top first-year players over the last two weeks of the 2021-22 season.

With the end of the year approaching, the NBA is struggling to stay afloat as teams and players alike deal with health and safety protocols and other issues related to the coronavirus.

Over 200 players have entered the health and safety protocol in the month of December alone as 10 games have been postponed as a result. Teams have called up over 80 players from the NBA G League to replace those in the protocol, creating opportunities for under-the-radar guys.

With several players sidelined, the rookie class has seen more action this month with some unlikely guys receiving more playing time and larger roles as of late. In addition, the usual cast of rookie standouts have also continued to perform at a high level.

To make sense of it all, we took a look at the best recent performances of these first-year players and ranked them in the latest edition of the Rookie Wire Power Rankings. The rankings are not for Rookie of the Year purposes but, rather, to illustrate the best players week to week.

Note: Players with at least 5 appearances since Dec. 15 were eligible for this week’s Rookie Wire Power Rankings.

Pelicans react to Herb Jones’ career-high 26-point performance

Down several key players, Jones stepped up with a career performance and helped the Pelicans beat the Cavaliers.

Down several key players, rookie Herb Jones stepped up with a career performance and helped lead the New Orleans Pelicans to a win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Jones produced a team-high 26 points, seven rebounds, three assists and three blocked shots in a 108-104 win. He went 10-of-18 from the field, including 2-of-4 from 3-point range, in 36 minutes of work as the Pelicans have won six out of their last eight contests.

The Pelicans entered the contest without Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and others due to injuries and health and safety protocols so the team needed Jones to be more aggressive. He responded, and put forth his best game of the season.

Pelicans head coach Willie Green said Jones was huge in the win.

Herb has been great all season. I just think he is getting more comfortable. His confidence is growing and he was huge for us. We need all of his points. … I love what he does all around for us. Offensively, he can attack, play multiple positions. He gives us a little bit of what Josh (Hart) gives us, which is being able to attack the basket and make plays for his teammates.

Jones is averaging eight points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.8 assists this season on 36.6% shooting from 3-point range. However, during the month of December, Jones is posting 10.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and two assists on 41.7% shooting from beyond the arc.

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 another impressive shooting display versus the Cavaliers.

Jones credited his teammates for finding him on offense.

With some guys being out, they told me I had to be more aggressive and that’s what I tried to do. I feel like my teammates did a great job of finding me on the cuts and just flowing into me throughout the game. I know there were a couple of shots I didn’t take early on but they were just saying, ‘Go out and play your game and don’t try to think too much,’ and that’s what I did.

The early-season success of Jones this season has resonated with the coaching staff and his teammates. He has often drawn praise throughout the season from several players on the roster with Garrett Temple the latest to talk him up.

I’ve gotten to know Herb as a person. He is the epitome of a great teammate, a great player. He is somebody that you want on your team. He is going to be in the league for a very, very long time.

Jones has certainly impressed the coaching staff and his teammates seemingly on a nightly basis with his hustle, work ethic and defensive ability. 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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‘Teams need guys like that’: Herb Jones drawing praise from Pelicans

Amidst an inconsistent season, Jones has emerged as a bright spot for the Pelicans with smothering defense and an improving offensive game.

Amidst an inconsistent season, Herb Jones has emerged as one bright spot for the New Orleans Pelicans with a smothering defensive mindset and improving offensive game.

Jones, the 35th pick, is averaging 7.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.3 steals in 29 games this season. He has started in 20 games throughout the season and is often tasked with guarding the best player on the opposing team.

To further highlight his defensive activity, Jones leads all rookie players with 38 total steals, while he is 12th 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.

Jones has matched up with the likes of Luka Doncic, Paul George and James Harden throughout the season, and often does a good job slowing them down. Pelicans guard Devonte’ Graham appreciates what Jones brings on a nightly basis.

I tell him every night: ‘Lock in! Get ready!’ He knows he is going to have to guard the primary scorer for the other team. Herb doesn’t ever complain. He comes out and is locked in and focused and does his job. Obviously, we appreciate it and teams need guys like that.

While known as a defender, Jones has put in countless hours in the gym this season to improve as a shooter. Pelicans head coach Willie Green commended Jones last month for being the first guy in the gym and the last to leave, even on off days.

Jones is shooting just 34.4% from 3-point range on the season but is converting on 40% of those attempts during the month of December. The work with assistant coach Fred Vinson appears to be paying off as that ability figures to only help the Pelicans even more.

He has impressed the coaching staff and his teammates seemingly on a nightly basis with his hustle, work ethic and defensive ability. He has consistently produced when called upon and that should ensure he is in store for a strong rookie campaign.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

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Rookie Wire Power Rankings: Scottie Barnes, Cade Cunningham lead the way

Rookie Wire takes a look at the top first-year players over the last two weeks of the 2021-22 season.

The rookie class continues to put up strong, individual performances to start the 2021-22 season as some new candidates have started to emerge over the last few weeks.

Toronto Raptors guard Scottie Barnes has likely emerged as the top rookie to this point of the season. He puts up numbers on a nightly basis and that should only continue as the Raptors ask him to shoot more 3-pointers per game (more on that later).

The class has dealt with some recent injuries with the likes of Jalen Green and Evan Mobley missing time while Jalen Suggs and Bones Hyland will be out for the foreseeable future. Mobley will not be included in the latest rankings after appearing in just two games over the last two weeks.

To make sense of it all, we took a look at the best recent performances of these first-year players and ranked them in the latest edition of the Rookie Wire Power Rankings. The rankings are not for Rookie of the Year purposes but, rather, to illustrate the best players week to week.

Pelicans’ Herb Jones seeing hard work pay off after career night

Jones has put in countless hours of work to improve his jump shot, and that appeared to pay off some on Saturday.

New Orleans Pelicans rookie Herb Jones has put in countless hours of work in the gym to improve his jump shot, and that appeared to pay off on Saturday after a career performance.

Jones produced a career-high 17 points, six rebounds and one blocked shot as the Pelicans snapped a nine-game losing streak with a 112-101 win over the Memphis Grizzlies. He went 5-of-10 from the field, including 3-of-4 from 3-point range.

The 35th overall pick has emerged as a strong defender with the Pelicans but is still a bit of a work in progress offensively.

He has worked extensively with assistant coach Fred Vinson on improving his shot and that work looks to be bearing fruit. His three 3-pointers were more than his previous 10 games combined (2).

Pelicans head coach Willie Green wasn’t necessarily surprised by his outing.

Herb works every morning. He’s usually one of the first guys there — him and Kira (Lewis Jr.) with Fred Vinson. Every morning. No matter what. Tomorrow, he’ll be the first one there. We don’t even have practice, but he’ll be in the gym. This is what he does. He works at it. I’m not totally surprised that he can step in and hit shots like that. I know eventually, he’ll be a consistent shooter because his work ethic is just off the charts.

Jones started seven games with the Pelicans but has since been moved back to the second unit with Brandon Ingram back. He has totaled 28 points over his last two outings and looks to be in a better groove as of late on the offensive end.

Ingram even joked that he can’t work with Vinson because Jones has been with him so much.

Herb has definitely looked like a pro in these games. Even in our losses, he has been really good on the defense and offensive end. He looks confident in shooting behind the three and making good decisions. … Every time I go into the gym, he is with Fred. I can’t even work with Fred. He is doing a good job. He is focused on everything we’re doing in practice and it’s carrying over to the game.

Jones has seemingly impressed the coaching staff and his teammates with the hustle and effort he brings to the court, in addition to his defense. He has consistently produced when called upon and that should ensure he is in store for a strong rookie campaign.

New Orleans returns to action on Monday against the Washington Wizards.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

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Pelicans’ Herb Jones will not play on Wednesday due to concussion

Jones had started in each of the last seven contests for the Pelicans, averaging 6.9 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.9 assists.

New Orleans Pelicans rookie Herb Jones will not play on Wednesday versus the Sacramento Kings due to a concussion, the team announced prior to the contest.

The Pelicans said that Jones suffered the injury during the third quarter on Tuesday versus the Phoenix Suns. He will now enter the return-to-participate process and will need to be cleared by an independent physician prior to playing again.

Jones had started in each of the last seven contests for the Pelicans, averaging 6.9 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.9 assists. He has given the team a strong defensive option on the court and has provided a spark at times on the offensive side of the ball.

The loss of Jones will be greatly felt on the defensive side of the ball as the Pelicans are getting outscored by 11.5 points when he is off the floor. The team was very high on him entering the draft given his abilities and they will now be without him for at least one game.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

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Rookie Wire Power Rankings: Scottie Barnes, Evan Mobley lead the way

Rookie Wire takes a look at the top first-year players over the first two weeks of the 2021-22 season.

With two weeks in the books, the NBA has had the opportunity to take an extended look at the incoming rookie class and which prospects have made strong early impressions.

The group entered the season with plenty of star power, and those players have each had moments of brilliance to this point. In addition to those individuals, others have also stepped up and turned in strong debuts for their respective teams.

No. 1 overall pick Cade Cunningham was a notable omission on our first rankings of the season after just debuting on Saturday. He has had a historically slow start with the Detroit Pistons but we fully expect him to knock the rust off and bounce back.

To make sense of it all, we took a look at the best recent performances of these first-year players and ranked them in the first edition of the Rookie Wire Power Rankings. The rankings are not for Rookie of the Year purposes but, rather, to illustrate the best players week to week.

Pelicans’ Willie Green ‘proud’ of what Herb Jones brings to team

Jones went scoreless but provided strong defense and several hustle plays, earning praise from head coach Willie Green in the process.

Herb Jones went scoreless on Monday but provided strong defense and several hustle plays as the New Orleans Pelicans picked up a win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, their first of the season.

Jones, who made his third straight start, finished with zero points but registered two rebounds, two steals, one assist and one blocked shot in 31 minutes of work. He recorded a key steal with just over three minutes left to help seal the 107-98 win.

The effort earned some praise from Pelicans head coach Willie Green.

Herb Jones is a basketball player. You can put him in any position on the floor. He knows all of the plays. He can execute at a high level, his defense is off the charts and he is just going to continue to grow into a really, really good basketball player for us in the future. I’m so proud of what he is doing but he puts the work in every single day he is in there working, along with the other guys.

Green previously opted to insert Jones into the starting lineup following the injury to Josh Hart. He has seemingly impressed the coaching staff and his teammates with the hustle and effort he brings to the court, in addition to his defense.

Jones, the 35th overall pick, entered the draft as one of the top defenders after he was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year last season at Alabama. He has certainly flashed that ability early this season, something the team will be counting on moving forward.

He is the first second-round pick to start in a game this season, and it appears as though he will continue to see a large role given his ability on both sides of the ball.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

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Crimson Tide in the NBA: A comprehensive list

The Crimson Tide added quite a few NBA players over the past few years!

Alabama’s basketball program is enjoying a surge of success. Just last year, the team put together the programs best season since 2004, bringing to Tuscaloosa both an SEC regular season title and the SEC Tournament title.

In the postseason, the Crimson Tide advanced to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament.

Over the past few years, Nate Oats has had his hands on some top-tier talent. Even former head coach Avery Johnson found himself with a stud on the court in Collin Sexton.

This top-tier talent made its way to the NBA after their time at Alabama, and the following list will cover every Tide basketball player repping the crimson and white in the NBA.