There’s a good chance that Pelicans forward Herbert Jones will be shut down for the season, executive VP of basketball operations David Griffin said today to reporters, including Rod Walker of NOLA.com (Twitter link).
Jones has been out since January 8 due to a torn posterior labrum in his right shoulder. The club indicated at the time that he had been ruled out indefinitely.
As Jeff Stotts of In Street Clothes tweeted at the time of Jones’ diagnosis, when a posterior labrum tear is small and the instability in the shoulder is minimal, a non-surgical treatment plan can improve the issue. In other cases, a surgical procedure is necessary.
It’s not clear whether or not Jones will go under the knife, but Griffin noted today that the forward has gotten opinions on the injury from multiple medical experts (Twitter link via Erin Summers).
The 35th overall pick in the 2022 draft, Jones has been a valuable role player for New Orleans over the course of his four NBA seasons, particularly on defense — he earned a spot on the All-Defensive First Team in 2023/24. The 6’8″ forward averaged 10.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.9 steals in 32.4 minutes per game this season across 20 appearances (all starts), with a shooting line of .436/.306/.825.
Jones is one of several Pelicans regulars whose 2024/25 campaign was derailed by health issues. With the team lottery-bound at 12-41, it sounds like the goal in New Orleans is to make sure he’s healthy for the start of next season.
Jones is under contract for two more seasons beyond this one — he’s set to make $13.9MM in 2025/26, with a $14.9MM salary for ’26/27. He would be an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2027 if he doesn’t sign an extension before then.
I thought it was already determined he was going to miss the rest of the season lol honestly it doesnt matter, Pelicans are better off taking and searching for new physical trainers
Pelicans are cursed. They need to be sold and moved.
This season was a wash before Jones got hurt. New Orleans should build around Jones, Williamson, Murry and Missi moving forward.
You need to add either Bailey/Edgecome or Harper in that mix too.
Greasy- build around Zion?! That’s called denial.
Zion misses at least 60% of his games. And players with his injury history only become less available in the future.
As long as NOLA keeps Zion, they’ll be breaking hearts.
What are the other options? Winning is the most important thing but the guy is a fun player to watch and puts butts in seats. Until they find someone better, he’s their guy.
D-E-N-I-A-L. Anybody is better than somebody this unavailable. NOLA’s attendance is the worst in the league, even when Zion plays, because the team is in last place. And going broke.
Trade him for picks and/or a solid player that isn’t always injured. Otherwise, start thinking about moving to Seattle before Minnesota does.
How do you propose they trade him for picks and a player without playing him?
Real 2K Insider,
I’m not saying they shouldn’t play Zion if he’s on the team. I was responding to greasy stating the Pels should plan to build around Zion.
Whatever it takes to move off Zion is a good thing. That starts with accepting he needs to go.
“Until they find someone better, he’s their guy.”
Is the part you’re missing. He’s not killing their team anymore than LaMelo Ball is in Charlotte. The Pelicans are 5 games over .500 when Zion plays in his career. Let’s not pretend he’s Nikola Vucevic or Kyle Kuzma tier. He does raise the floor of the team, even with his sporadic availability.
(You may note he’s going to finish this season with more games played than DeJounte Murray, Herb Jones, and Brandon Ingram).
Not every franchise is trying to build a contender. The Kings went through a 15-year drought and are very happy to chase a first-round exit. This is also a franchise where money is a real issue, they’re one of two teams to never pay the tax, they’re not trying to contend for championships.
Stars also don’t bring equal return in trades… you’re suggesting the Pelicans blow it up, which would be foolish for their business without another alternative. Sam Presti’s don’t grow on trees.
Agreed that the Pels are a much better team when Zion is available. That’s not the point. He’s killing them because no team can succeed with a max salary player that is reliably unavailable for 60% of its games
Your understanding of pro sport economics is incorrect. Every pro sports team, without exception, is in the business of winning because that’s what it takes to make money… and, especially in small markets, like Sacramento and NOLA. Winning drives up ticket prices and media revenue. Losing has the opposite effect. New Orleans almost lost its franchise 15 years ago because its revenues were so low. It remains a financially distressed franchise, and a prime candidate to be moved to Seattle or another larger market. David Griffin knows he’s on the clock. He’s said so publicly.
Honestly all they needed was to trade D Murray for any veteran Center. Vucevic was perfect honestly pairing with veteran CJ. 2 year contract. Then Missi could fully develop instead of being thrown out there being the only young guy.
If the team really starts winning alot without him. He will come back. Maybe have some kind of specialist with him. He is their guy. Herb Jones can usually cover for him if need be (I know he is out the year but someone else can step up)
Just a veteran C starter that’s all they needed!!!!!!
Zion is their guy
Trade D Murray for any veteran Center starter.
Murray’s contract looks horrible now. Trade him now !!!!!!!
How do you trade a player with a Torn Achilles?
The injury is horrible, not the contract.
Uhhh you trade him…. Haha jeez
Who is trading for him?
Ayton or Claxton that’s all there is
NOP would have to offer either Missi or 1st picks with Murray for one of those two
Yes Missi is nice but he is young and is for the future. NOP is in win now mode not rebuilding around Missi’s age
Look at Murray’s contract. It looks horrible. They also don’t need him
The contract looks horrible because of the injury and his production before the injury
Damn