Last Updated on July 24, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Herb Jones has earned a reputation as one of the NBA’s premier perimeter defenders, using exceptional instincts, relentless effort, and defensive versatility to frustrate the league’s best scorers. While his defense sets him apart, his steadily improving offensive game and team-first mentality have made him an indispensable piece of a winning lineup.

Here’s the detailed information about NBA player Herb Jones:

  • Full Name: Herbert Keyshawn Jones
  • Nationality: American
  • Age: Born October 6, 1998
  • Hometown: Greensboro, Alabama, USA
  • Height: 6 feet 7 inches (201 cm)
  • Weight: 210 lbs (95 kg)
  • Wingspan: 7 feet (213 cm)
  • Shoe Size: 15 (US)
  • Shoe Brand: Nike Kobe 6 Protro, Nike Kyrie 2, Nike Kobe 11
  • Jersey Number: 5
  • Position: Small Forward / Power Forward
  • High School: Sunshine High School (Newbern, Alabama) and Hale County High School (Moundville, Alabama)
  • College: University of Alabama (2017–2021)
  • NBA Draft: 2021, Round 2, Pick 35 by the New Orleans Pelicans
  • Teams Played For: New Orleans Pelicans (2021–present)
  • Championship Rings: None as of now
  • Kids: None publicly known
  • Siblings: He has a brother named Walter “Walt” Jones, who also played college basketball at UAB.

Herb Jones’ player archetype is a defensive wing stopper whose impact often begins by disrupting an opponent’s best scorer before the offense ever gets comfortable. Long, rangy, and quick laterally, he generates steals without constantly gambling, then keeps the game simple at the other end by spacing the floor, attacking closeouts, and finishing efficiently. Jones rarely forces possessions, but his timing, anticipation, and ability to erase passing lanes consistently tilt games in New Orleans’ favor.

Scouting Report

To me, Herb Jones is one of those defenders who changes possessions before the ball ever reaches his assignment. He isn’t simply reacting to the action; he’s anticipating the next pass, creeping into driving lanes without fully abandoning his man and arriving at the nail or low-man spot a beat before the offense expects him to be there. That timing is what separates him. He has the footwork to pressure ball handlers at the point of attack, the length to recover if they gain an edge, and the awareness to peel off onto a rolling big or rotate back to the perimeter without throwing the rest of the defense out of balance. Offensively, he has become far more than a player who waits in the corner. He attacks hard closeouts, cuts decisively when defenders lose vision, and keeps possessions alive by making the extra pass instead of forcing difficult shots after the initial advantage disappears. The trade-off is that asking him to manufacture offense against a set defense isn’t playing to his strengths. His handle is functional rather than creative, and he generates offense through quick decisions, straight-line drives and intelligent movement instead of manipulating defenders with advanced dribble combinations. What stands out is how naturally he fits next to high-usage creators because he rarely interrupts offensive flow. He screens, relocates, fills empty space and understands exactly when to dive toward the rim or drift to the corner to preserve spacing. Defensively, he’s built for aggressive switching schemes but is just as comfortable navigating over screens or executing complex help responsibilities because his processing speed matches his physical tools. Teams that value collective defense and read-and-react offense will always maximize his impact. His game reminds me of Andrei Kirilenko in the way he seems to appear everywhere at once defensively, while there are shades of Mikal Bridges in his ability to influence games without needing the ball for long stretches.

Player Insights

Player Overview: August 30, 2024
I like Herbert Jones as the backup at both small forward and power forward for the Pelicans entering the 2024-25 season. In my view, his reliable three-point shooting gives New Orleans valuable depth as the team pushes to contend in the Western Conference. I expect him to play an important role off the bench during both the regular season and, if the Pelicans qualify, the playoffs. I’m also hopeful Zion Williamson can stay healthy because that would significantly raise the team’s ceiling. I think Jones and Jordan Hawkins have the potential to complement each other well with the second unit thanks to their perimeter shooting, and I could also see either player stepping into the starting lineup if injuries create an opportunity.