Former Crimson Tide Star Sidelined for the Season

The New Orleans Pelicans will be without one of their key defensive players for the remainder of the season. This is a huge blow for the New Orleans Pelicans as they are already having a lopsided year with injuries.

Get our free mobile app

Last week, the New Orleans Pelicans announced that Herb Jones will be sidelined for the season with a posterior labrum tear in his right shoulder.

David Griffin, the New Orleans Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations made a statement about the injury update.

New Orleans Pelicans defensive specialist Herb Jones will "likely" be out for the rest of the season.

Jones underwent an MRI on the ninth of January after exiting the night prior against the Portland Trail Blazers. Jones missed 18 games earlier in the season due to the same injury before returning on December 5th and then starting 16 games straight.

Herb Jones emerged as a standout basketball player at Hale County High School in Alabama, where he played under his father, Walter Jones Sr. A versatile wing, Jones was ranked among the top prospects in the state and earned multiple All-State honors. He capped his high school career by leading Hale County to a state championship in 2017, earning tournament MVP honors while averaging 16.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game.

At Alabama, Jones quickly became known for his defensive tenacity and leadership. As a freshman, he played in 35 games and set a school record for charges taken in a season (23). His defensive prowess only grew, and by his sophomore and junior years, he was a key piece of Alabama’s lineup, earning SEC All-Defensive Team honors while battling injuries, including playing part of his junior season with a fractured wrist.

Jones had his most dominant year (2020-21), leading an Alabama team to win both the SEC regular-season and tournament titles. He was named SEC Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year—one of only two players nationwide to be a semifinalist for both the Naismith Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year awards. Averaging 11.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game, he led the team in multiple statistical categories and was recognized as an Associated Press and Sporting News Third-Team All-American. His season featured several standout performances, including a career-high 21 points against Georgia and a game-winning layup in the SEC Championship win over LSU.

Jones was selected in the second round (35th overall) by New Orleans in the 2021 NBA Draft. Jones has appeared in 240 career games and was named NBA All-Defensive First Team last season. Jones this season has played in 20 games for the Pelicans. Jones is averaging 10.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.9 steals through 32.4 minutes per game.

After a loss this past weekend to No.1 Auburn, Alabama's MBK will begin a short road trip this week to take on the Missouri Tigers on Wednesday. Tipoff is set for 8:00 p.m. CT on SEC Network and Tide 100.9 FM WTBC & 1230 AM. Missouri defeated the Georgia Bulldogs 87-74 in a road win behind Anthony Robinson II's 15 points, 5 rebounds, and four steals.

Chase Brumfield is the morning producer and writer for Tide 100.9. He is currently a senior studying communications at Mississippi State University. Follow Chase for more Alabama content on X at @cb3864.