Is Herb Jones the best non-big defender in the NBA?

Herb Jones has been a major part of the New Orleans Pelicans emerging as one of the biggest dark horse threats in the Western Conference. The defense of Herb Jones is up there with some of the best that you'll see from a wing/forward in the NBA, constantly shutting down some of the league's best ball handlers.
Not only has Herb Jones solidified himself as an All-Defense caliber player, but he's also developed the complimentary aspects of his offensive game. The three-point shot is exhibiting rapid growth. Alongside Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, it's gonna be vital that Herb Jones can supplement his defense with the necessary amount of offense. If he can round out his overall offensive game, the New Orleans Pelicans are gonna be a nightmare to stop.
Herb Jones' defense is elevating him to high-end role player status, but it's almost enough for me to consider him a future defensive star. If the Pelicans continue to put it all together, watch out.
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Providing NBA analysis by making film digestible and using analytics thoughtfully to contextualize on-court production. I cover the NBA in various capacities as a writer and digital content creator. If you love basketball and the NBA, be sure to subscribe to my channel.
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#HerbJones #NewOrleansPelicans #NBA

[@RelMyers]

Herb Jones is saving lives every night.

[@daxsama]

Herb Jones saved my life 🥲🥲🥲🥹🥹

[@jookie4207]

Rel the goat

[@clauzelmoutima6490]

That’s arron wiggins

[@RelMyers]

yooooo@@jookie4207

[@maartenvz]

Ah man, every time i see this dude or Trey Murphy i think of how Memphis completely missed out.. and then again when they traded kessler for laravia

[@juiceballer8489]

It's refreshing to see guys like him that are fully committed on defense and able to lock down star players

[@sketch2709]

Hes also been a knockdown shooter too this year. Hes only 25 aswell, 2-3 years until his athletic prime is hitting which will only make the plays he makes more common

[@trentboldin4392]

His block on PG was easily a top 5 block of the year

[@chrismofo1]

Top 1 personally even beating Edward’s block

[@popboychi5418]

@@chrismofo1its no way u actually think that

[@ThePolicy843]

Off all time tbh

[@JoshyBOY15252]

Maybe top 3

[@user-od8mj3rr5h]

​@@popboychi5418 People can see things differently. Don't be totalitarian

[@CodeineAbdulJabbar]

Herb is seriously slept on. He better be on an all D team this year

[@twill8907able]

He's also a menace in transition. He 1 man fast breaks often

[@oddlyn25]

then that one night where he had like 7 steals

[@twentytwostacks8247]

Herbert Keyshawn Jones saved my life

[@kaordon504]

Keep teaching these boys about Herb!

[@lanchoos7355]

he's my favourite player in the league. just a delightful player to watch. and yes, 100% the best non-big defender in the NBA

[@JoshyBOY15252]

Yup

[@bencrabtree5647]

No question he is. There are some great other non-big defenders in Caruso, White, Holiday and Mcdaniels but I think Herb is just a step above this season

[@teddyleandre]

Vando too !

[@MrDiMES123]

Perimeter defender is the term

[@stanleyyelnats9722]

Derrick white 👀👀👀

[@teddyleandre]

@@stanleyyelnats9722 he said it !

[@bencrabtree5647]

@@MrDiMES123 I would say that for players who solely guard the perimeter. They’ve had Herb on the opposing big man plenty. They’re all mainly perimeter defenders tho

[@nicholasalexander9866]

As a Pels fan, I’m so happy with the team we have now. The crazy thing is, Dyson hasn’t played in a while and we are this good defensively. When he comes back, Herb and Dyson will be a terror in the playoffs. To answer the question, yes Herb is definitely the best non big defender in the league. I may be bias, but he should be in DPOY talks. Not winning it obviously, just talking about his defense. Definitely should be all defense first team this year. Rudy G, definitely is winning it, but having Herb in that discussion already is a treat.

[@TheTEN24]

He gives a lot of OG vibes on defense watching these clips, players like him are so valuable to a teams cohesion

[@JB-bw8nj]

Scottie Pippen guarding Magic in the finals.

[@renzocabarco472]

The only non bigs you can build a defensive scheme around is Herb and Jrue and those are the two best non-big defenders we have rn

[@winter9242]

OG fits that as well

[@michaeljordan6373]

​@@winter9242facts

[@MrDiMES123]

Perimeter defender

[@samn90834]

@@MrDiMES123Jrue has spent time guarding Embiid this season, perimeter defender doesn’t do these guys justice

[@AidanAce22]

I’m so glad he’s actually getting recognition outside of pelicans fans now. it was so hard for the past 2 years trying to vouch for him when most casuals didn’t even know he was. 💯

[@JoshyBOY15252]

😅 Ikr

[@legendaryjayhan]

Nola native here.. thank u for showing love to herb jones and acknowledging his amazing defense. He’s an absolute monster on defense and going to home games and watching his play intense defense each game is electrifying. He’s due for all defensive 1st team !!

[@Iso_SSB]

The pelicans overall are such an underrated team this season, I wouldn’t be surprised if they go on a run in the playoffs. They are probably the most deep team in the league

[@Tomtainius]

Really impressive analysis! Herb is and has been an elite defender for quite some time now. I think I'd struggle to score more than 20 points on him in a game.

[@j03_54]

Yeah me too

[@bencrabtree5647]

Yeah same here

[@ybwkel5836]

You’ll struggle getting a shot off let alone 20

[@DeZenter]

You really think you can score more than 5 points against a nba player?

[@Star-pl1xs]

@@DeZenter no. that was part of the joke

[@imnotblindbutiloveblindfol8449]

To answer the question of this video, yes, yes he is.

[@flamingythermit314]

If OG was still a Raptor id say it was him but he's a Knick now I don't gotta push the propaganda anymore. It probably is herb

[@paulbowman6700]

Mad love for this video i love the defensive stoppers and talent!

[@ner__0365]

so glad to see herb getting love

[@iaintmissin]

He a reversed Kawhi. They both defend with their non dominant hand because it’s easier for them that way. Kawhi is a right-left jumper from two feet and Herb is left right jumper. It’s easier to defend with the opposite hand. Oubre for example is another left right jumper but he defends very well with his left hand which is an amazing skill the way he sets his legs.

[@IAMKOFI__]

Herb is saving the city of New Orleans every night I can’t thank herb enough for what he does go pels

[@Gspmitch]

Herb Jones is the best defender in the league & the defensive player of the year

[@cheap272]

This is about the grammer id expect from people pushing the herb jones dpoy case😂

[@Gspmitch]

@@cheap272 🤣🤣🤣

[@bencrabtree5647]

@@cheap272you can’t criticise people on how they format their comments when you can’t even properly format one 😂

[@JoshyBOY15252]

@@cheap272bruhh

[@keynanvarnado7592]

Consider that the Pelicans are an elite defensive team while having 4 starters who are considered average to below average defenders. That really sums up how much impact Herb Jones has on the game defensively.

[@balazsbalogh4109]

Exeactly,Herb should be DPOY about it.

[@gabrielcarrasco9078]

​@@balazsbalogh4109He'd have to pass up Wemby. Wemby's impact is also huge when he's on the floor.

[@balazsbalogh4109]

@@gabrielcarrasco9078 Yes,Wemby is huge.But rarely these impact from a non center,and the pels fight for the homecourt advantage and 4th in defensive rating.wemby will won multiple times definitely!

[@shun8733]

He’s been since he came into the league. Nothing has changed

[@xsikal]

Great video. Ten minutes of Herb goodness.

[@SquishDaFish4ME]

I’m not sure if the numbers back me up but he’s also great in transition!

[@wayneroth9446]

Honestly he should’ve been first team defense last year but im glad his hard work is gettin recognized

[@geraldtate8917]

Great commentary 👏🏿

[@Bebowilo7h424]

Go watch herb and Josh hart b4 he was traded. Herb literally been doing this since day 1 is amazing. Hart was big for him

[@VivaRevolucionDGS]

Nice to know that someone actually takes pride in playing defense in the NBA.

[@henyahI144]

Excellent breakdown

[@bigbangbasketball]

I can see Herb evolving into an OG Annuoby type player

[@uriahh6931]

All defense 1st team or riot

[@TrueTrueTrue22]

I feel like I’m watching a wing Irving Garnett right when I watch herb jones, flawless rotation, elite hips, elite hands, elite basketball brain. All around defensive stud.

[@SnowBoarder2910]

Herb Jones saved my life

[@LKHOF0510]

Always been a fan… stacked loads of RC cards two years ago. Now its time to take the bag 💰

[@zoltangregus8762]

a vid about the pacers and the siakam fit?

[@sec0nds521]

love the fact that him and trey murphy are on the same team. Herb will be so good for trey's development

[@bandito241]

And that’s why the Pelicans are freaking scary. Zion and Ingram (could be injured, hope he isn’t) are offensive beasts but the rest of the team play their role.

[@JHMoonCompilation]

thanks. very interesting

[@westbankrick885]

Herb has been flocking up since day one.... flock up 🍿 babea

[@sufyaankhan4686]

I just dont understand how he's not top 3 in DPOY voting

[@PvtrickH]

Minimum All-Defense but IMO DPOY

[@ikedatike2533]

It's going to take a while, but I believe it's possible for Herb Jones to do it

[@Ober1kenobi]

Herb for DPOY Coz rim protectors be boring AF if that’s all the defence they doing

[@GQMoneyMitch]

#NotOnHerb

[@cliffwoodbury5319]

First video I have ever seen of this players, and that is crazy he is this impactful. He looks as impactful on defense as Zion is on offense. And with this team, as far as coverage goes, its Zion/Ingram/Mccollum with each dropping off suggnificantly as far as coverage goes.... This player (jones) needs more coverage... They are clearly a totally different team when he is off or on the court.

[@rollspikegaming7459]

even Luka and PG13 appreciate his defense, they know Herb is the hardest to score againts.

[@enzorocha2977]

If the saying "defense, not offense, actually wins games" is an undeniable fact in basketball, then Herb Jones' archetype isn't dying anytime soon imo. Especially in close games and your team really needs a stop to score a win.

[@cultok]

lol a defensive wing? 😭😭😭 he’s just better than og defensively

[@diavontepele-clark8181]

He'd be perfect on the kings (not plausible I know but let me imagine 😂)

[@brentthewave1818]

Great video. Love the break down of the plays. Had to subscribe. Imma check the media pass out too

[@tyrronne670]

to tie this to your nuggets-celtic video, I would say that if there's one team in the west able to hold it down, I would say the Pels rn. The nightmare of the Nuggets is that Joker naturally lures rim protecters, or at least the primary athletic force, out the post, while Gordon is too dynamic and athletic for those same bigs and meanwhile you need to keep size and mobility for the rest of the team which is kinda big: basically you need lanky and dynamic guys all around. NO has in my opinion the deepest 3&D wings roster of the league with Herb, Trey and Daniels; and with Zion, Ingram and Valanciunas on hand, no size is lost. A team with a similar profile in the east would be orlando but they might need another year, maybs two.

[@theville_editz4451]

Can you do march maddness content

[@saucystew8111]

Yes.

[@jrandomx8548]

the pelicans are dangerous. zion, BI, CJ, casuals know these names. they got val who lead the lead in 3pt % 2 years ago, herb, jose, trey, dyson, naji, larry, hawkins, i mean, those are some legit players and it’s like 11 players deep

[@AveChristusRex789]

Need him on the mavs

[@pkfirealarm4685]

He's the best 1-5 defender in the league. People don't even mention his offensive growth (especially from 3) which is nearly as impressive as his clamps

[@DomaniArchived]

Awesome

[@gus4386]

I hope he makes 1st team all defense, he was snubbed from it last year

[@walkerrobinson304]

Herb Jones saved my life. Is Herb Jones the best non-big defender in the NBA? Yes Yes Yes

[@ant4613]

To put it simply, yes.

[@agent_JorDi]

When he’s playing next to og on the Knicks next year the world will know pain.

[@nrbmemes2414]

Herb, Kawhi, Ausar Thompson. (Pistons fan so a little bias)

[@bigbrotherallstars43]

Put some respect on his name!🙌

[@meditationkings6025]

with a doubt a doubt its him jrue or dort

[@JohnDoe-fi2ot]

i wish the Pelicans would trade him to Orlando! The Magic would be insane on defense

[@mathius4838]

Indi vid?

[@pdx20]

Reminds me of Scottie Pippen.

[@KPKeeley]

yes

[@lorenlong3716]

Jaden mcdanials up there also

[@Miles_305]

After what I just saw him do to Jimmy Butler yes, yes he is😅

[@ahmedkailany9441]

He's shooting 43% from the 3 this year too.

[@thebono2415]

Herb who???… HERB JONESSSSS

[@haraldhardrade7539]

No way, its Derick White

[@ThePolicy843]

Best defender, period

[@HalalMan99]

My team is a herb jones away from 3 peating

[@A62119]

Did jrue stop playing?

[@BiGAlelen]

He saved me

[@jasonjuster8388]

In real bball on ball D is most important, in the nba help is most important.

[@JDPlaisance]

HERB JONES 1st TEAM ALL-DEFENSE 💯

[@thisisSPARTAorsprite]

Is Trey Murphy good defender too?

[@Ninjotter]

3 missed calls from OG Announoby

[@montevans7110]

Jrue holiday is the best imho . Herbs is taller though . Jrue is getting older it will be Herb soon .

[@donellramon783]

Herb can guard 1-5 tho. Trust me I’ve watched jrue as a pels fan. It’s Herb

[@montevans7110]

@@donellramon783 I saw Holiday guard Kat a 6”3 in the post . You might be right because of the overall size but man it’s close . Herb can’t guard any big man that really matters. He lockdowns smaller players .

[@donellramon783]

@@montevans7110 Herb does that too but you don’t see it because pels aren’t on tv like Boston. Same when jrue was in New Orleans. Fans don’t see it

[@ledna4756]

@@donellramon783 herb is more versatile these days for sure but jrues defensive IQ is unmatched Herb is still young and shows such insane high IQ on the floor is gonna be scary for the league I think its close between Herb and Jrue especially cuz herb has the length advantage but I think its still Jrue just cuz of the IQ and his Build hes so strong he can bang down low with a lot of big men and hold his ground

[@goonie300]

Herb🐐🔒DPOY

[@oddlyn25]

NOT ON HERRRRBBBBBBB!!!!!!! yall been sleepin on him for a minute!!!

[@Jiraiya_Angels25]

Top 5 best Non Big defenders in the NBA today (no pf, no C) 1. Kawhi Leonard 2. Lebron James 3. Jimmy Butler 4. James Harden 5. Kendrick Perkins

[@teeinfinity]

OG Anunoby

[@bencrabtree5647]

Not even close

[@mikeonawave821]

Alex Caruso

[@bencrabtree5647]

Playing on the 16th ranked team defence ? ahahah gtfo

[@rollspikegaming7459]

Herb is miles better. Caruso couldn't even guard a sleepy Ingram.

[@passion22754]

Not on HERB❤

[@dirkman8155]

Jonathan Isaac is even better than Herb Jones, but he plays less minutes so might be less valuable.

[@Carlostothe24]

As A kings fan I was dying for them to trade for him when he was on the block

[@ethanwilson8580]

based on dpoty votes you are correct that he is

[@blureddyelo347]

if the wolves get herb its over for the league

[@carltonbanks5470]

He's better than OG Anunoby, Lugnentz Dort, Derrick White, and Alex Caruso. Yet all of them will get more votes for all nba defense and its fucc'd up.

[@chrismofo1]

If Mexicans were taller , we’d have the best defenders in the NBA with our hustle as workers

[@GoatLife755]

It's Jrue

[@bencrabtree5647]

Used to be

[@creoletatted8790]

Herb is Jrue if he was 6’8 with a 7ft wingspan

[@AntonioYon]

Alex Caruso would like a word.

[@delao7569]

as a Kings fan I HATE HERB JONES lol

[@AlyxTF]

Sadly Alex Caruso clears, herb is a dawg though

[@CurseMonstr]

I’d say Amen Thompson

[@robbybarbera]

Not on Herb!