Pelicans Secure Herb Jones with Contract Extension
The New Orleans Pelicans have secured forward Herb Jones with a significant three-year, $68 million contract extension, as confirmed by his agents Mark Bartelstein and Kieran Piller from Priority Sports in an announcement to ESPN. This new agreement adds to his existing contract, resulting in a total deal worth five years and $97 million that includes a player option for the 2029-30 season.
Jones’ Remarkable Journey
At just 26 years of age, Jones has made a remarkable journey since being selected as a second-round pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. Over his tenure, he has proven to be an invaluable asset for the Pelicans, earning recognition as a member of the 2023-24 All-Defensive first team.
Defensive Skills and Performance
His performance is noteworthy; he is among a select group of only eight players in the league who have achieved a combination of 350 steals and 150 blocks since he began his career. Moreover, statistics reveal that Jones has been consistently ranked in the top ten in defensive efficiency against isolation plays for the past two seasons, showcasing his skill in one-on-one defensive scenarios, based on data from GeniusIQ.
Recent Season Challenges
In the most recent season, he also achieved a personal best, hitting 42% of his three-point attempts. However, it’s important to note that last season was tough for him, as he could only participate in 20 games due to injuries affecting his shoulder and labrum, marking the lowest number of games played in a single season since he joined the league.
