Meet The NBA's Most Underrated Defender

Herb Jones checks almost every single box defensively, giving a competitive Pelicans team endless flexibility.
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[@TheGamingShogun]

this why i love herb jones i love versatile wing defenders who feel as tho they can guard all 1-5. as why i love Ausar Thompson he feels like the same thing and in the future will be one of the best versatile defenders in the league and a dpoy candidate hopefully

[@bigbangbasketball]

They’re pretty much like swiss army knives. Great additions to any team.

[@OwskiiiGaming]

1-5?

[@TheGamingShogun]

@@OwskiiiGamingpositions

[@Romanus-]

Idk about 1-5…1-4 yes but Ausar isn’t guarding 5’s with any regularity. He might come help to double a 5 but he’s not holding his own playing a big one on one. Same with Herb

[@TheGamingShogun]

@@Romanus- i mean there's video proof here of him guarding 5s one on one and getting blocks or charges on them. Maybe not consistently but he can switch onto a 5 and get a stop more times than not and the same with ausar

[@bikeweiss]

He also got a lot stronger this season. You can see it helps with those athletic switches, quick bursts, and drawing charges confidently. I know you don't touch on it in this video, but his offensive game has also grown this year. He's shooting better from 3, finishing at the rim better, and making good reads with the hall in his hands (he does make mistakes sometimes of course). Really excited for this Pelicans team, who doesn't get a lot of media shine but when they're playing well are really hard to beat. FLOCK UP!! Edit: another great video HV. Putting in the work and creating meaningful and educational content for hoops lovers everywhere.

[@HoopVenue]

100% agree with everything you said. And thanks for your support, it means a lot!

[@francisayala9310]

Herb's also improved this year on offense. He's worked on his shot and is more willing to shoot. What's really stood out is that he's been aggressive when driving to rim and finishing. One of my big concerns with Herb in the past was that he'd get the Andre Robertson/Tony Allen treatment but his improvements at least force the defense to pay some attention to him.

[@HoopVenue]

Agree with everything you said!

[@bigbangbasketball]

If he becomes a solid two way player, the pelicans will really become a problem

[@bencrabtree5647]

A Herb Jones video is an instant like, he become my favourite player as soon as he started getting minutes on the Pelicans, can’t believe the amount of comments of people who didn’t know how good he was

[@HoopVenue]

Absolutely love his game, appreciate your support!

[@sethc2241]

FAVORITE player is wild

[@pinobluevogel6458]

You didn't have to wait long for him to get minutes. He played a lot of minutes straight from his rookie year all the way until now.

[@bencrabtree5647]

@@pinobluevogel6458 yeah he got in the first couple games due to injuries… you think I didn’t know that ?

[@pinobluevogel6458]

@@bencrabtree5647 No I wasn't saying that. I was just amazed at how early he got big minutes and wanted to emphasize that. They put a lot of trust in Herb and didn't get disappointed.

[@pinobluevogel6458]

Great video on one of the most impressive and complete defenders in the game. He's a two-way player actually, with some of the best cutting and transition scoring.

[@HoopVenue]

Glad you enjoyed, and agreed!

[@CodeineAbdulJabbar]

Not to mention he’s shooting 43% from 3 this season. And shooting the best in the league since Jan 1st.

[@jameshunter2885]

him not making all defense last season was an absolute crime

[@CodeineAbdulJabbar]

Should’ve made it every year he’s been in the league. But the national media doesn’t care about the pelicans.

[@CorporalBetlog]

thank u for making this video! he should have made all defensive team last year! glad he’s getting attention he deserves.

[@HoopVenue]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@liljay7520]

Was about to say the same thing he honestly could’ve made at least 3rd team all defense his rookie year and he was snubbed bad last year now he should be first team all defense

[@ahmedshehatah1822]

Very good catch, this is the first time I notice the player

[@Adrian-xu3xi]

He’s a locked down defender even Luka gave him credit in his post interview

[@wendalmapp823]

So have I mate

[@peymonbesh8620]

Great content, really felt you captured who Herb is and his value. Solid work.

[@Qwartsinju-ft1yh]

Bro I love his game, a defensive celling the level I ain’t seen since DPOY Ron Metta artest

[@jaysonprice9229]

Herb is a beast! I'm a proud Pelicans fan, and he's definitely a hometown favorite. I'm excited for the next few seasons as this team only gets better so long as they stay healthy like they are now. Great video... Gives me chills watching this breakdown.

[@bigbangbasketball]

Herb has been looking like Kawhi 2.0 lately

[@Baffyyy]

LOVE YOUR VIDEOS MAN

[@HoopVenue]

THANK YOU

[@enzorocha2977]

Great breakdown, wouldn't have heard of Herb Jones and his value as a defender. You delivered on your video's title premise, and we're all the smarter for it. Keep it up!👍

[@HoopVenue]

Really glad to hear that, thanks for watching!

[@bagchasingbandit6274]

Knew herb Jones was him after he clamped de’aaron fox 3 straight games, never seen anything like it 💀

[@6manYT]

BI and Zion even CJ lol get the headlines on the Pels but its Herb and Trey Murphy that make me believe they could be a championship core at some point if BI and Zion ever figure it out, great vid as usual HV

[@HoopVenue]

100% agree with everything you said, glad you enjoyed the video!

[@salad953]

Great vid

[@HoopVenue]

Appreciate it!

[@sethshuemaker1395]

Thank you for this video man. I'm a pels fan and I love the way herb plays defense. If it wasn't for herb and GTA we would have a bottom 5 defense. People think I'm crazy when I say he can be DPOY but if the pels keep winning and he keeps playing like this he could win it. He's even getting better at offense this season.pelicans gonna be scary with the zion bi, and CJ offensive trio and herb carrying defense. Pelicans also got great shooters and great defenders off the bench. The last two first round picks were Dyson Daniels who is developing into a Marcus Smart type player and Jordan Hawkins who is becoming a lethal shooter. Things are looking scary in NOLA Geaux Pels ❤️💙🦅⚜️ .

[@HoopVenue]

Love this Pelicans squad, hope everyone can stay healthy!

[@sethshuemaker1395]

@@HoopVenue me too man !

[@EricDeVaughnn]

Great video

[@HoopVenue]

Thanks!

[@wendalmapp823]

Thanks mate, its podcast like these that let us see the underatted big boys. I know his name now.❤

[@HoopVenue]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@notacleverman9438]

Would like to add that since this video aired Herb's 3pt percentage is 57.5%. For his first two years he was a great defender but a net negative on offense but his shot has been clean as of late and has made him absolutely critical to the Pel's success.

[@CodeineAbdulJabbar]

He’s been shooting lights out. It’s amazing how much he’s improved from 3. He’s the 3 and D guy we all hoped he could be.

[@awesomephotographytaiwan]

very detailed analysis ! can't believe The Pelicans are open to moving Herb Jones, hope Clippers can get him !

[@kbrad988]

The Pelicans were never open to moving Herb, that was a made up story by a "reporter" who did no actual research. Herb has an incredibly friendly contract for the Pels and the head coach is defensive-minded and would never give up his best defender. That guy just completely made it up.

[@awesomephotographytaiwan]

@@kbrad988 thanks for the explanation

[@CodeineAbdulJabbar]

That’s just cap 😂 herb isn’t going anywhere. One of the most valuable players on the pelicans

[@KingJaq337]

He was a cornerback it makes perfect sense hes that gifted on defense and as a person who play corner and basketball i can spot his feet his hip the eye coordination this young man is special watching his foot work is beautiful to watch

[@TheJayblaze3]

Best Not on Herb video in 2023. Straight Jacket Jones!!!!

[@HoopVenue]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@liljay7520]

8:23 sheesh Herby G really him for real the straight jacket 🧥

[@SayjbeeMOB21]

Herb Jones for the US Olympic team ‘24 🦅🥇

[@Acewilson.]

I would love to see a recap of the Ja morant finish on herb to win the game it was great defense meets better offense and I think it would be a great short reel or video to follow up on this Herbert video

[@bricewhelan8947]

You should do a video on Cam Thomas and his improvements. Idk if he’s talked about right now but his ability to score at his size is remarkable.

[@CodeineAbdulJabbar]

His size? He’s like 6’4 210 Lbs that’s not small

[@nbapbaupdate8338]

Herb Jones, Jaden McDaniels & Ausar Thompson FUTURE DPOY 💪🔥💪

[@MDOOMBot]

Haven' t watched the video yet, but I already completely agree Herb Jones is🔥

[@royalace2271]

I think that's why the Rockets will be so dangerous in the future. They have 2 swiss army knife in Amen Thompson and Tari Eason. Two long wings who can defend multiple positions at a high level.

[@HoopVenue]

🔥🔥

[@nenengsworld803]

Damn this guy reminds me of back in the 2000s era he reminds me of AK47 man that dude can defend all of it

[@HoopVenue]

Facts!

[@knoxharrington666]

To me he is the one guy the pels cannot do without

[@CodeineAbdulJabbar]

Seriously underrated. He better get on an all defensive team this year. Because he should’ve been on one his first two years.

[@ayodejifayemi3453]

Mayne I just love videos that focus on defense.

[@HoopVenue]

I love making them!

[@michaeldantzlerjr6917]

Not on Herb 🔒

[@michaelbietsch2864]

I would love a similar video on Peyton Watson. He has the lowest dfg% in the entire league while guarding almost exclusively guys like KD, Kawhi, Fox, etc. He's basically the same archetype as Herb, Mcdaniels etc, 6'8 with a 7'1 wingspan, good athlete, absurd defensive IQ

[@HoopVenue]

Definitely gotta make one on him soon!

[@kingcyk_]

Herb hella underrated man

[@HoopVenue]

Facts

[@njadakakillmonger23]

Man channels like yours is why I love KZbin appreciate the video let's go Pels ⚜️

[@HoopVenue]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@brysonmcknight2296]

NOP fan here, we’ve seemed to invest a lot into wings like him, another player on out team with a similar skill set is Dyson daniels but he is a lot better at perimeter defense

[@Ken_zoned]

I've subscribed

[@HoopVenue]

Appreciate it!

[@buzzinggamerskitz9207]

The pelicans are finally getting recognition and I’m all here for it

[@Imhimmforever]

When I have a child this is the first person I’m showing him i love defense

[@skdog3_385]

HV whens the goat returning to twitter??? Love the vids tho!

[@HoopVenue]

Honestly not sure, we’ll see!

[@krp6680]

Ja Morant absolutely annihilated this great defender Herb Jones 😂😂

[@itse6529]

Ja didnt annihilate herb dude. Ja would get a switch on Zion and you can’t expect Z to keep up with Ja. If anything Z has hella posters on your dpoy JJJ .Credit to Ja for That last play of the game but making a lay up is not annihilating.😂

[@cantcheatthegrind]

you gotta do another ja morant film vid after last night. “why everything changes when ja morant is on the court”

[@HoopVenue]

Already been on that! Dropping later today

[@finntweedie3235]

Fun fact: Herb is also shooting 41% from 3 this year

[@ethanfox9433]

This brother played the grindirom

[@alexanarchh]

This man might be AK47

[@PyreRage]

Sixers need this man

[@Imhimmforever]

Give us Joel then yeah 😂

[@jesusfollower4391]

Perfect trade for the Pacers

[@HoopVenue]

That’d be wild!

[@Thomasbnola]

Watching Herb Play basketball 🏀 😢😅 Championship level player

[@AkmalGameAtion]

DPOY hands down

[@Roto-J]

DPOY!

[@davmarsh]

bro if he was on the lakers people would be calling him the next kawhi are some shit. its frustrating when small market players dont get the same recognition .

[@DetroitEast]

Everyone knows about herb since highschool

[@andrewabraham5109]

would u do a Mitchell Robinson vid.

[@HoopVenue]

I might soon!

[@EuTiming]

Herb or Ausar who do you think gonna be the better versatile 1-5 wing defender in the long run?? i say as a overall player ausar easily bro cant shoot but has a smooth handle and is a great finisher but its gonna be really close on the defensive side since herb is an absolute demon as well but i mean thompson rebounding stats shouldn‘t be ignored as well both of my absolute favortie plsyer btw…

[@HoopVenue]

That’s too difficult to say, only time will tell! Definitely think Herb’s in the better situation to maximize his skillset for right now though.

[@ParamoreFAV3]

When they try and convince you there’s no defense in the league, literally watch this channel. Every team has guys who are extremely versatile. It is not their faults that the offensive talents and skill sets today are just otherworldly.

[@lilbfrom094princeton8]

Underrated defense first Two Way Wing. I hope the Bulls trade for him via Derozan.

[@HoopVenue]

Caruso and Herb holding teams to 75 a game lmao

[@JOHNNYPMUSIC]

Who would u say are the 5 best non-big defenders in 2024?

[@HoopVenue]

Hard to bring it down to just 5, but 6 that I feel like have clearly separated themselves to start this season have been Herb, Caruso, McDaniels, Jrue, DWhite, and Suggs. If it were the playoffs I'd also include Jimmy and Tatum.

[@ahmedmohamud5136]

​@@HoopVenue BROO NO O.G ???????????

[@samcremin1486]

@@ahmedmohamud5136his off ball defence is lacking

[@HoopVenue]

Actually forgot about OG, he’d probably be in that group as well.

[@JOHNNYPMUSIC]

@@HoopVenue what about Kawhi? He’s look pretty strong

[@benjaminlim3921]

Pls play with the spurs

[@jesstiss222]

Fasho but peep Peyton Watson fam 👀

[@HoopVenue]

He's a menace!

[@jesstiss222]

@@HoopVenue shutting down some of the best in the game, barely into his 2nd year!

[@jakethesnakemiz3645]

yo wsp

[@HoopVenue]

Yoooo what's going on?

[@jakethesnakemiz3645]

@@HoopVenue nothing much, i remember the miami heat video during the ECF got me rlly interested in the channel.

[@HoopVenue]

That’s awesome to hear, thanks for sticking around!

[@shun8733]

Herb is a great defender. They overlook him like ppl overlook Ingram

[@nonctomsgarden7967]

Herbert Keshawn Jones

[@johnc5452]

Hes the best perimeter defender in the league

[@mr.kwamid-86_43]

High Grade Herb ;)

[@JonPaul404]

Im bias, but imo herb is dpoy

[@Tip_EA]

Anddddd he gets cooked by Ja... lmaooo

[@austinferrara897]

25 games rest

[@theaspiringactor]

clippers getting his ass

[@LVVMCMLV]

You didn't even mention his offense...

[@kidanepriester6587]

I wouldn’t say underrated but he definitely dont got the hype he deserves

[@HoopVenue]

Fair enough, I feel he doesn’t get talked about much at all for the level of talent he is, which is why I use the “underrated” word.

[@DaGoatYaHeard]

NOT. ON. HERB!

[@PvtrickH]

Herb is kawhi bro

[@friction5001]

Herb is definitely not underrated, i can assure you any team looking to win a chip would trade for him right now but the pelicans is not allowing that trade unless it includes a superstar with some picks

[@HoopVenue]

Not underrated around the league, but underrated by the average fan in my opinion.

[@horacesaffore2639]

it is simple. Not On Herb!

[@HoopVenue]

Enough said!

[@capt.Justin]

Ja just cooked him

[@dylanschang6386]

bucks gotta trade for him

[@HoopVenue]

Not sure they have the assets, I bet New Orleans values him pretty highly.

[@francisayala9310]

Pels would never trade Herb unless they get a haul in return (which isn't gonna happen). Herb is literally the only plus defender in their starting lineup.

[@dylanschang6386]

Yeahhh ik it's wishful thinking, his style of play is the exact thing Bucks need to push them over the top, especially after losing Jrue. But, I'm sure a lot of other teams feel the exact same way@@HoopVenue

[@comphorse1468]

Compy

[@benedictbanaco3915]

Ja just hit a game winner on him😅

[@AkmalGameAtion]

Where's ja now lol

[@PvtrickH]

Lmao Zion got double the games Ja got GTF outta here

[@chikmnunget]

He’s great but he’s not better than Jonathan Isaac

[@dalegribble8398]

Not on herb

[@keltners613]

until Ja morant shows up

[@AkmalGameAtion]

Where's ja now lol

[@PvtrickH]

Ja don’t even got 25 games lmao even Zion figured it out meanwhile ja still playing with guns and tryna end his own life for a dunk

[@pierceliu9914]

Too bad he’s playing for the worst coach in the NBA

[@richardsledge8000]

He’s been a great defender, anytime I’ve heard about him it’s been about how great he is defensively so I don’t see how he’s underrated

[@HoopVenue]

Key words being “anytime I’ve heard about him”… we don’t hear about him enough!