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.