Since entering the NBA in the 2020-21 season, Herb Jones has proven that he has a defensive impact in the NBA, and this versatile Swiss knife-type forward is just about to begin his journey to the top wing.
(Image source: Sport Illustrated)
Today's offenses in the league are popular in creating more offensive space and using large-scale movement in positional battles. Usually newcomers who have just entered the NBA will be less adaptable on defense. They must adjust their speed, movement, rotation, and timing to keep up with their opponents. Offensive rhythm.
Herb Jones is inKawhi LeonardAfter that, the first rookie will be able to show top defensive skills in his season, and he is also a super rookie who can make substantial contributions alongside Scottie Barnes and Evan Mobley.
In the 2021-22 season, the Pelicans' team defense is still a long way from being top-notch, ranking 18th and 26th in points allowed per possession and half-court defensive points allowed respectively, but Jones' personal ability is fermenting. When Jones is on the court During the season, the Pelicans allowed 4 fewer points per 100 possessions. By the second half of the season, Jones had become the focus of the team's defensive system.
In the second season of his career, Jones is expected to grow from a rookie green leaf to become one of the core players and be able to influence the situation in key battles and playoffs. Not only defensively, the Pelicans also need him offensively. grown. Apart fromZion WilliamsonIn addition to returning to the team, Jones' growth is also a key factor in the Pelicans' ceiling height.
Good defenders change the opponent's layout and movements, but top defensive locks can predict offensive trends. Jones already has the latter talent and has initially put it on the court. Jones not only has excellent ball defense and a huge assist defense range, he will use mobility and anticipation to disrupt the opponent's offense. Although he is not purely blocking goals, his repeated interference and blocking can make the opponent accustomed to it. system is disrupted.
Jones has a height of 6 feet 8 inches, a physical fitness of 7 feet, and above-average athletic ability. However, many young forwards in the league have similar or even better conditions, but few can do it like Jones. All the advantages and conditions are in the current game. According to Cleaning the Glass, last season Jones ranked in the top 19% of all forwards in blocking rate and top 6% in interception rate.
Herb Jones is not out of reach of ceiling Kawhi Leonard
Just like Leonard in the early stages of his career, Jones' low-key and silent personality obscured his performance on the court, often affecting the direction of the game unknowingly. Jones can guard from No. 1 to No. 5. It is not a multi-position defense that can nominally match up, but the reaction and concentration that can withstand the center when backing up the frame, not being thrown away by the forward, and blocking the defender from dribbling. Real defense for breakthrough.
The Pelicans went to the Suns in the playoffs last season, and Jones was responsible for the matchup.Chris PaulThis caused a lot of trouble for the would-be Hall of Fame guard. In the fourth game, Paul only scored 4 points and shot 25%. Paul could hardly get rid of him, which not only affected his offensive space, but also prevented him from making effective passes. assists.
Jones is currently the best player at grabbing the ball from the wing, and he can always accurately predict when the opponent will pass or drop the ball:
Jones's best move is anticipating rotations. When his opponent cuts in and his teammates help defend, Jones will stand on the passing path in advance to block the ball:
Moreover, Jones will induce opponents to make some bad passes. He will shrink inward to make the ball carrier feel safe. However, Jones' wingspan and anticipation have already been waiting for him:
Even cautious ball handlers don't dare to be careless when facing Jones. They know that any flaw in dribbling and passing in front of him will be blocked by this young man with difficult reflexes and explosive power, turning it into the Pelicans' best speed. Therefore, when Jones is on the court, the Pelicans' offensive and defensive transition rounds will increase significantly. With Zion returning in the new season, any mistake will allow the Pelicans to score easily.
What is even more commendable is that although Jones is young, he will not be impulsive or excessively gamble on defense. Instead, he will use his talents within the system and appropriate defense. He also knows very well when to rush and when to be more conservative or defensive. Being able to rely on teammates for help in defense.
It's not as if Jones hasn't had an above-average offense this season, currently averaging 10.9 points per game, a 48.5% field goal percentage, and a 29.6% three-point field goal percentage. With three offensive cores in CJ McCollum, Brandon Ingram and Zion averaging 20 points per game, the team only needs him to fulfill his role as a role player on offense. Jones can also find easy scoring opportunities in dynamic offenses, or Give the ball to the best open space. The Pelicans don't need Jones to hold the ball too much or score a lot, but they need him to be able to run and take decisive shots.
(Image source: NBA.com)
At present, what Jones needs to improve most is naturally his outside shooting percentage. After Zion returns, the Pelicans will need more options that can open up the space, but Jones is obviously still better at cutting in and attacking close to the basket. This will be There are areas where Jones needs to improve this season and in the future.
Looking at now, Jones is already the favorite for the Defensive Team of the Year, and even has the opportunity to compete for the Defensive Player of the Year. Therefore, the defense that is relatively difficult to develop is already in place. It depends on whether Jones can grow into an offensive and defensive player like Leonard. A top striker, and most importantly, stay healthy.
