The New Orleans Pelicans are heading into the 2024-25 season with a fresh approach. After three years of Jonas Valančiūnas anchoring the center position, the Pelicans are shaking things up by going smaller. The six-foot-seven wing Herb Jones might be starting as the Pelicans center. This surprising decision signals a major shift in the team’s strategy. The Pelicans are prioritizing versatility and speed over traditional size.
NBA Business: Pelicans Go Small-Ball With Herb Jones As Center
Jones, known for his defensive prowess, could bring a unique element to the Pelicans’ starting lineup. Jones is traditionally seen as a wing. The Pelicans are betting on his ability to excel as an undersized center. Shams Charania of ESPN mentioned on The Pat McAfee Show that Jones will “play the 4, maybe some 5.” He’s “essentially going to serve as the starting center.”
Herb Jones will essentially start at center for the Pelicans this season, per @ShamsCharania
(🎥 @PatMcAfeeShow / h/t @ohnohedidnt24 )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 10, 2024
Jones’ Defensive Prowess
While the decision may seem unconventional, Jones has the defensive versatility to make this work. His block percentage, which measures the percentage of opponent shot attempts he blocks while on the court, is in the 77th percentile, according to CraftedNBA. This stat indicates that Jones is not only capable of providing rim protection, but that he could excel in the role, even at his size. His defensive versatility ranks in the 98th percentile, also according to CraftedNBA. It’s the highest on the team, making him a nightmare for opposing offenses.
Jones’ ability to guard multiple positions is a valuable asset. He was an All-Defensive First Team selection in 2023-24 and a top-five finisher in Defensive Player of the Year voting. He has already proven he can hold his own against elite talent. Adding rim protection to his skill set could elevate his value even further.
Zion’s Risk at Center
There had been talk about starting Zion Williamson at center. That move would have been risky for the Pelicans. Zion, while explosive offensively, struggled on the boards last season, averaging just 5.8 rebounds during the 2023-24 season. His injury history is another red flag for the physical demands of playing center. By placing Jones at the five, the Pelicans can keep Zion in a more comfortable role. This will allow him to focus on offense and reducing the physical toll on his body.
Jones, meanwhile, offers more consistency on defense, and his health record is far cleaner. With Zion and Jones in the frontcourt, the Pelicans could strike a balance between versatility and size. They do this while being able to maintain the ability to switch on defense.
The Small-Ball Philosophy
The decision by the Pelicans to perhaps start Jones at center reflects a growing trend in the NBA to go smaller and faster. This small-ball philosophy was popularized by Mike D’Antoni’s Houston Rockets, who famously played PJ Tucker, a six-foot-five forward, as their center. Similarly, the Golden State Warriors have used Draymond Green, also six-foot-seven, as an undersized five for much of their success.
In Jones, the Pelicans have a player who can defend all five positions, guard the paint, and stretch the floor offensively. His ability to switch on defense will allow the Pelicans to create mismatches, a key principle of small-ball lineups. Offensively, Jones adds value as a screener and cutter, and he’s a reliable corner three-point shooter, giving the Pelicans more spacing.
While the Pelicans have traditional centers like rookie Yves Missi (six-foot-11) and veteran Daniel Theis (six-foot-eight), neither are expected to start. Missi is still raw, and Theis, while capable, is likely seen as more of a backup. Jones’ combination of defense and offensive flexibility makes him the perfect candidate to lead this small-ball experiment.
Contract Value and Future Outlook
Jones’ contract adds another layer of intrigue to this decision. After signing a four-year, $53.8 million deal before the 2023-24 season, his cap hit for the upcoming year is just $12.9 million. Already considered one of the best 3-and-D wings in the league, if Jones can thrive as a small-ball center, his contract will look like an absolute steal. He is currently ranked as the 124th highest-paid player in the NBA. On trusted rankings like CBS, he is ranked as the 60th best player in the league.
Jones has already proven his worth defensively, but if he can add center duties to his resume, it could unlock new possibilities for the Pelicans. His versatility would allow the Pelicans to adjust to different matchups, giving them an edge in the competitive Western Conference.
The Path Forward for the Pelicans: Herb Jones at Center
The 2024-25 season will be crucial for the Pelicans as they try to capitalize on their young core of Williamson, Ingram, and newly-acquired Dejounte Murray. Going smaller with Jones at center could make them more agile, especially against teams that play with speed and switch-heavy defenses.
While this is a bold experiment, the Pelicans are banking on Jones’ elite defense and Zion’s continued development to lead them into the postseason. Only time will tell if this move pays off, but one thing is certain—the Pelicans are embracing change, and Herb Jones is at the center of it.
