The New Orleans Pelicans are facing a significant challenge after it was confirmed that forward Herbert Jones will miss the remainder of the 2024-25 NBA season due to a shoulder injury. This update was provided by the Pelicans’ executive vice president of basketball operations, David Griffin, on Tuesday. While there was some optimism regarding his return, especially after Jones was seen engaging in light shooting exercises last week, the team has now made it clear that he will not be returning to action anytime soon.
In this article, we will delve deeper into Herbert Jones’ injury update, what his absence means for the New Orleans Pelicans, and how the team plans to cope without one of its key players.
Herbert Jones Injury Overview
Herbert Jones, who had been playing an essential role for the New Orleans Pelicans this season, will now be sidelined for the rest of the 2024-25 NBA campaign. David Griffin confirmed that Jones would be “shut down for the season soon,” offering the Pelicans’ fans some clarity regarding the forward’s situation. While Griffin did not disclose further specifics, such as whether Jones will require surgery, he confirmed that the Pelicans will provide more information after further evaluations.
This is undoubtedly a tough blow for the Pelicans, especially considering how crucial Jones has been to their lineup so far this season. As of the time of the injury, he was averaging 10.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.9 steals, and 1.1 three-pointers per game, while also playing a solid 32.4 minutes per contest.
The Impact of Herbert Jones’ Injury on the Pelicans
Herbert Jones has been a cornerstone of the Pelicans’ rotation this season, contributing significantly in several areas. His absence will leave a void in the Pelicans’ lineup, particularly in terms of his defensive prowess and versatility. Known for his defensive skills, Jones has often been tasked with guarding the opposing team’s best player, and his ability to guard multiple positions has been a key asset for New Orleans.
In addition to his defensive abilities, Jones’ playmaking and overall versatility have made him a valuable piece of the Pelicans’ puzzle. His basketball IQ, passing ability, and capability to contribute offensively make him a crucial part of the Pelicans’ well-rounded game plan. As the team continues to contend for playoff positioning, losing someone of Jones’ caliber will undoubtedly have ramifications on both ends of the court.
With his ability to make plays and stretch the floor with his three-point shooting, Jones has been integral to the Pelicans’ offensive flow. His absence will mean that New Orleans will have to make adjustments, particularly in terms of player rotations and defense.
The Pelicans’ Defense Without Herbert Jones
One of the biggest concerns for the New Orleans Pelicans following the injury to Herbert Jones is how they will manage defensively. Jones is widely regarded as one of the best defenders on the team and one of the top perimeter defenders in the league. He has the ability to guard multiple positions, from smaller guards to bigger forwards, making him an extremely versatile defensive asset.
Without Jones, the Pelicans will be forced to rely on other players to step up defensively. While they do have some strong defenders on the roster, replacing Jones’ presence on the court will be no easy task. His ability to lock down opposing players and create turnovers through his defensive efforts was invaluable to the Pelicans’ overall defensive strategy.
The absence of Jones might also put more pressure on players like Dyson Daniels and Trey Murphy to step up defensively. However, it remains to be seen how they will fare without Jones’ leadership and skillset on that end of the court.
Playmaking and Offensive Adjustments Without Herbert Jones
In addition to his defense, Herbert Jones has also made significant contributions offensively. While he’s not typically a high-volume scorer, his ability to contribute in a variety of ways—whether it’s through scoring, playmaking, or rebounding—has made him a valuable offensive asset. In particular, his ability to generate assists and create for others has helped the Pelicans maintain offensive flow, particularly during stretches when other players struggled.
Without Jones, the Pelicans will need to find alternative sources of playmaking. This could mean that players like Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum may be asked to take on even larger roles as facilitators, and the team will need to rely on their offensive skills to fill the gap left by Jones. Additionally, the Pelicans will likely need to get more from other players like Jonas Valančiūnas in terms of rebounding and scoring inside.
The Pelicans might also look to other players who have shown the potential to step up offensively in Jones’ absence. Players such as Herb Jones’ replacement in the lineup, or newcomers and bench players, will need to take on a larger share of the offensive load to ensure the team maintains a balanced attack.
How the Pelicans Can Adapt Moving Forward
Though the loss of Herbert Jones will certainly impact the Pelicans, the team still has a number of talented players who can step up in his absence. The Pelicans have a solid core, with players like Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and CJ McCollum leading the charge offensively. While Jones’ defensive contributions will be difficult to replace, New Orleans can look to other players to step up and fill the void.
One option could be to increase the responsibilities of Dyson Daniels, a promising young guard known for his defense and versatility. Daniels has shown flashes of promise in his rookie season, and the Pelicans will need him to develop into a more prominent role as a playmaker and defender.
Another potential adjustment could be shifting more focus to the team’s offense and spacing the floor to ensure that scoring doesn’t become a problem without Jones. By utilizing their star players and focusing on ball movement, the Pelicans can mitigate some of the loss offensively.
It is also possible that the Pelicans might pursue trade options or free-agent acquisitions to further bolster their depth. While it remains uncertain how they will handle the absence of Jones, it is clear that New Orleans will need to make adjustments if they are to stay competitive in the Western Conference.
Herbert Jones’ Future with the Pelicans
Looking beyond the current season, Herbert Jones remains an essential part of the New Orleans Pelicans’ long-term future. Despite the injury, Jones is still regarded as one of the team’s most valuable players due to his defense, versatility, and contributions in other areas. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor makes him a cornerstone of the Pelicans’ roster, and the team will likely look to have him back healthy next season.
Once Jones recovers from his shoulder injury, the Pelicans will likely have one of the more well-rounded rosters in the NBA. With stars like Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram leading the charge, the addition of a healthy and fully recovered Herbert Jones will only strengthen the team as they continue to build toward a successful future.
Conclusion
Herbert Jones‘ injury is a significant blow to the New Orleans Pelicans, but the team still has the talent to adapt and remain competitive. The loss of his defense, playmaking, and overall versatility will be felt, but the Pelicans will look to other players to step up in his absence. Whether through changes in the rotation, increased roles for other players, or external acquisitions, the Pelicans will need to adjust and find ways to continue to compete without Jones. While his injury is a setback, the Pelicans’ future remains bright, and Jones’ return to the lineup will be highly anticipated once he fully recovers.
