Herb Jones

Herbert Keyshawn Jones was born on September 28, 1998, in Greensboro, Alabama, a small town in the rural Black Belt region of the state. Growing up in a community where opportunities were limited, Jones found his outlet and identity through basketball. He attended Hale County High School, where his long wingspan, athleticism, and competitive fire made him a standout player in Alabama high school basketball. Despite his obvious talent, Jones was not a highly recruited prospect — he received modest attention from major college programs, a slight that would fuel his relentless drive throughout his career.

Jones committed to the University of Alabama, where he would spend four seasons developing into one of the most impactful players in the Southeastern Conference. His trajectory at Alabama was one of steady, impressive growth. By his junior and senior years, Jones had become the heartbeat of the Crimson Tide program. As a senior in the 2020-21 season, he was named the SEC Player of the Year and the NABC Defensive Player of the Year, averaging 11.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.3 assists while anchoring one of the best defenses in college basketball. His defensive versatility — the ability to guard positions one through four — made him a unique prospect despite questions about his offensive ceiling.

The New Orleans Pelicans selected Jones with the 35th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, a second-round selection that many analysts immediately identified as a steal. From his very first NBA games, Jones's defensive impact was undeniable. He earned a reputation as one of the league's most disruptive perimeter defenders, using his 7-foot wingspan, quick feet, and exceptional anticipation to smother opposing scorers. His ability to guard the opposing team's best player regardless of position made him invaluable to the Pelicans' defensive scheme.

Jones's rookie season was so impressive defensively that he finished second in NBA All-Defensive Team voting, an extraordinary accomplishment for a second-round pick in his first year. He was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team in subsequent seasons, establishing himself alongside players like Jrue Holiday and Marcus Smart as one of the premier defenders in basketball. His defensive highlights — chase-down blocks, pickpocket steals, and suffocating on-ball pressure — became regular features on social media and highlight shows.

While defense remains Jones's calling card, his offensive game has developed steadily throughout his NBA career. He has improved his three-point shooting from a liability as a rookie to a respectable weapon, hitting above 35 percent in recent seasons. His ability to cut without the ball, finish in transition, and make smart decisions as a secondary playmaker have expanded his offensive role within the Pelicans' system. He is not a primary scorer, but his offensive contributions are meaningful and efficient, perfectly complementing the team's more offensively gifted players.

Jones's physical profile is ideally suited for the modern NBA's emphasis on versatile, switchable defenders. At 6-foot-8 with a 7-foot wingspan, he can credibly guard point guards through power forwards. His lateral quickness allows him to stay in front of faster guards, while his length and strength enable him to contest shots and hold position against bigger forwards. His defensive IQ is perhaps his greatest asset — he consistently makes the right rotations, help decisions, and closeouts that disrupt opposing offenses without gambling for steals or blocks.

The Pelicans have built their defensive identity around Jones's presence on the wing. His ability to take the toughest defensive assignment every night allows his teammates to focus on their strengths, and his impact on team defense extends far beyond the box score. Advanced defensive metrics consistently rank him among the NBA's most impactful defenders, validating what the eye test clearly shows.

Off the court, Jones carries the same humble, hardworking mentality that characterized his journey from small-town Alabama to the NBA. He remains connected to his roots in Greensboro and is viewed as an inspiration in his community. His story — from a modestly recruited high school player to one of the NBA's elite defenders — resonates as a testament to the power of work ethic, determination, and maximizing one's strengths.

At 27 years old, Herb Jones is in the prime of his career and continues to be one of the most valuable role players in the NBA. His defensive excellence, combined with his steadily improving offensive game, makes him exactly the type of player that championship teams covet. In New Orleans, he has become an indispensable piece of a young, talented roster with championship aspirations.