In January, New Orleans Pelicans defensive star Herbert Jones suffered a shoulder injury. At the time, it was reported that he would be out indefinitely with no timetable for his return. Unfortunately for Jones and the Pelicans, the team is expecting the worst. Via Pelicans writer Erin Summers, David Griffin, the Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations, expects Jones to miss the rest of the season.
Griffin said that Herb Jones has gotten other opinions regarding his shoulder, and will probably be shut down for the season soon #Pelicans
— Erin Summers (@ErinESummers) February 11, 2025
This season, Jones appeared in 20 games for the Pelicans. In those games, he averaged 10.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.9 steals.
New Orleans Pelicans Starter Expected to Miss Remainder of Season
Herbert Jones Was a Top Trade Target Before His Injury
Ahead of this year’s trade deadline, multiple teams reportedly had interest in Jones. More specifically, the Dallas Mavericks were potentially eying the 26-year-old (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.”
Ultimately, no trade occurred and Jones remains a Pelican. However, this was expected the whole time as NBA insiders Jake Fischer and Marc Stein (subscription required) reported that the Pelicans were not interested in trading the Alabama native.
“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.”
Herbert Jones Is Not the Only Pelican Out Due to Injury
This has been a difficult season for New Orleans. In addition to Jones, guard Dejounte Murray suffered a season-ending Achilles injury against the Boston Celtics on January 31. Currently, they are 12-41 and are at the bottom of the Western Conference standings. Furthermore, they are in the midst of a nine-game losing streak, which is the longest active streak in the league.
Ahead of the trade deadline, the Pelicans sent Brandon Ingram to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Kelly Olynyk and Bruce Brown. Though many anticipated the move, it was still difficult for some within the organization, including Zion Williamson (YouTube link).
“That was tough to see him go. He’s somebody that’s been here with me since day one, all the ups and downs of the Pels. You wish it could be different but I think he was just at a point where he felt like he had to do what was best for him, and as a friend all you can do is support that decision,” Williamson said.
While not officially out of the playoff race just yet, it is tough to imagine they can turn things around this late in the season. Regardless, there is a lot to like about this Pelicans team as they look to rebound next season.
© Scott Kinser-Imagn Images
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