The New Orleans Pelicans have had a rough season to this point. Many had moderate expectations for the team after their playoff appearance last year. This was especially true after they acquired Dejounte Murray from the Atlanta Hawks. However, mostly due to a plethora of injuries, the Pelicans have underachieved, to say the least. And, unfortunately for the team, they have been dealt another blow that will impact them for the foreseeable future. In an official statement, the Pelicans announced that Herbert Jones will be out indefinitely due to a shoulder injury.
Pelicans announce that forward Herb Jones has been diagnosed with a posterior labrum tear in his right shoulder. An MRI taken yesterday confirmed the injury.
Jones will be out indefinitely and further updates will be appropriately provided. pic.twitter.com/8TAi136BCx
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) January 10, 2025
Last season, Jones enjoyed a breakout campaign, recording career numbers all around and finishing fifth in Defensive Player of the Year voting. Though he did not win the award, he still earned NBA All-Defensive First Team honors for the first time in his career. Jones’ breakout campaign happened just two seasons after he finished sixth in Rookie of the Year voting in 2022.
New Orleans Pelicans Award Candidate Out Indefinitely
Herbert Jones’ Season Before the Injury
The Alabama alum appeared in 20 games prior to his injury. In those games, he averaged 10.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.9 steals. Additionally, for parts of the season, Jones was a popular name in the rumor mill, with him being linked to the Dallas Mavericks (subscription required).
“The Mavericks have contemplated trying to add an impact perimeter defender before the Feb. 6 trade deadline, front-office sources on rival teams told The Athletic. The New Orleans Pelicans’ Herb Jones, who last season was the only non-center to make the NBA’s All-Defensive First Team, is one player who fits that description.”
However, in December, NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer said the Pelicans were unlikely to trade Jones.
“This feels like an annual exercise here, but league sources tell The Stein Line that teams interested in Herb Jones amid the injury-ravaged Pelicans’ 5-20 misery needn’t bother. New Orleans, sources said, has no interest in fielding trade pitches for its highly regarded perimeter defensive ace.”
The Last Word
Nearly halfway through the season, the Pelicans are 7-31. They stand as the worst team in the West and the second-worst in the league (only ahead of the Washington Wizards). Furthermore, to no surprise, they rank as a bottom-five team on both sides of the court. Even once they get healthy, it will be difficult for the Pelicans to turn things around this season, especially if they want to earn a playoff appearance. Given New Orleans’ disastrous season so far, it would not be a shock if they ruled Jones out for the remainder of the year. However, as it stands, nothing is imminent.
To make matters worse for New Orleans, they have a tough schedule ahead. Currently, they have the fourth-most difficult remaining schedule. A lot can happen in the NBA. However, at this point, it is unlikely the Pelicans can make any real noise this season. This holds true even if Jones returns this season.
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