New Orleans Pelicans: 2021 NBA Mock Draft 1.0
New Orleans Pelicans: With the 52nd pick…
523. Wing. Alabama. Herb Jones. 52. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. player
Since the Pelicans have a bevy of late second round picks, I imagine that at least two of these will be made with two options in mind: ample time in the G League or stashing the player abroad.
With this pick, I’ve gone with the former option and selected Herb Jones from Alabama. Jones was one of the most fearsome defenders in college basketball this season. The Crimson Tide senior was named his conference’s Defensive Player of the Year and Player of the Year, demonstrating just how well he played.
But despite his dominance in college hoops, Jones’ big question mark is his offensive game. Jones somewhat improved in his senior season—for one, he hit a career-high 35 percent of his threes—but his efficiency was still average at best. Jones struggled from all over the floor, shooting 22 percent on two-point jumpers and 53 percent of the rim.
His lack of shooting, plus the fact that he will never have as important of a role in the NBA as he did in Alabama, puts him on the precipice of the second round. Still, I’d like to see Jones get an NBA chance given his size, defensive versatility, and instincts on that end of the floor.
Some time in the G League could turn him in the right direction and eventually see him reunite with Kira Lewis Jr.