Herb Jones is an American professional basketball player born on October 6, 1998, in Greensboro, Alabama.
Currently a small forward for the New Orleans Pelicans in the National Basketball Association (NBA), Jones has made a name for himself with his versatility, defensive prowess, and relentless work ethic.
Before his professional career, he played college basketball for the Alabama Crimson Tide, where he earned third-team All-American honors as a senior in 2021 and was named the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Player of the Year.
Drafted 35th overall in the 2021 NBA Draft by the Pelicans, Jones has since emerged as a key player, known for his defensive tenacity and consistent contributions on both ends of the court.
Siblings
Herb has an older brother, Walter Jones Jr., who also pursued a collegiate basketball career. Walter Jr. played for two schools, Texas–Rio Grande Valley and Alabama A&M.
Like Herb, Walter Jr. grew up immersed in the sport, playing alongside his younger brother at Sunshine High School during Herb’s early varsity years.
Career
After a standout high school tenure, Jones committed to the University of Alabama over offers from Auburn, Georgia, Georgia Tech, and Florida.
His freshman year (2017–18) saw him averaging 4.2 points and 3.5 rebounds per game, setting a program record with 23 charges drawn in a single season.
As a sophomore, he improved to 6.4 points and 3.5 rebounds, showcasing his growing defensive impact.
Jones’ junior year (2019–20) marked a turning point, despite setbacks like a fractured left wrist that sidelined him briefly.
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Returning with a cast, he averaged 7.9 points and 6.4 rebounds, earning SEC All-Defensive Team honors.
His senior year (2020–21) was a breakout, with averages of 11.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game, culminating in a stellar performance that led Alabama to the SEC Championship.
After initially entering the 2020 NBA Draft, he withdrew to return for his senior season, a decision that paid off with national recognition.
In the NBA, Jones quickly established himself with the Pelicans.
His rookie season (2021–22) saw him averaging 9.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.7 steals across 78 games, earning NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors.
His defensive impact grew in subsequent years, peaking in the 2023–24 season with a career-high 11.0 points per game and an NBA All-Defensive First Team selection.
Despite a shoulder injury cutting his 2024–25 season short (averaging 10.3 points before surgery in February 2025), Jones remains a cornerstone for New Orleans, having signed a four-year, $54 million contract in 2023.
Accolades
Jones’ career is decorated with numerous accolades reflecting his excellence on both ends of the court.
In high school, he was named Class 4A Player of the Year (2017) and Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game MVP (2017), while leading Hale County to its first state championship.
In college, he earned SEC Player of the Year (2021), SEC Defensive Player of the Year (2021), AP Third-Team All-American (2021), First-Team All-SEC (2021), SEC All-Defensive Team (2020, 2021), USBWA District IV Player of the Year (2021), and was a finalist for Naismith Defensive Player of the Year (2021).
In the NBA, he received NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2022) and NBA All-Defensive First Team (2024) honors.
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