With the New Orleans Pelicans having fewer than 15 games left in their season, it's time to step back and evaluate the types of seasons players on the roster have had. While there have been bright spots, including the team's rookies, surprising breakouts, and a healthy season for Zion, one player who's had a very concerning season is Herb Jones.
Coming off signing a three-year $67.5+ million extension this past summer that officially starts this offseason, Jones' play has taken a massive step back. The 27-year-old is shooting career lows across the board and connecting on less than 30 percent of his threes. On top of that, his impact defensively has taken a slight step back.
This could lead to a really tough decision this offseason as the Pelicans' need for Jones has never been lower, and with this regression, it may be smart to move on from him sooner rather than later.
The Pelicans have a Herb Jones dilemma
No Pelican fan wants to hear that trading Jones is a possibility, especially after the team already parted with their heart and soul at the trade deadline in Jose Alvarado. However, his play this season, long-term contract, and the emergence of Saddiq Bey into the team's second wing spot make things tough. Coming into the year, one thing that felt the franchise wouldn't have to worry about was the starting wing spots with Trey Murphy III and Jones both in their primes and locked up.
That sentiment is still partially true, but not in the same way. The future of the wing positions in New Orleans appears to be secure, but may not include Jones. Instead, it appears to belong to Bey and Murphy III.
I understand many believe Jones can bounce back and want to chalk up his struggles to the injuries he's dealt with these last two seasons. However, if you're the Pelicans front office, is it worth the risk of giving Jones another year to prove he can bounce back? What happens if he gives the same production, or gets hurt again? Then the Pels would be stuck with a player nearing 30, with two more years left on an annual salary of $22+ million, which doesn't sound too appealing.
The Pelicans are walking a fine line with Jones and his future in New Orleans. They already missed a chance to capitalize on Jones' value while he was still a coveted piece at this year's trade deadline, and now head into an offseason with his value being lower than it's been over the last several years. That makes their next move with Jones one of the most pivotal decisions the franchise will face this offseason.