A former star from Alabama is now entering a crucial season that could define his NBA career.
Former Alabama Crimson Tide forward Herbert Jones has been in the NBA for five seasons after being selected in the second round of the 2021 NBA Draft.
Jones has been with the New Orleans Pelicans ever since, and he has devleoped himself into a strong defensive force in the league. Much like how he was at Alabama, Jones has carved a nice role for himself with the Pelicans, but he will be entering a crucial season in 2026-27.
Given that Jones hasn't been able to consistently perform on the offensive side of the floor, it has limited his overall ceiling. Jones has only seen one season where he shot over 33 percent from beyond the three-point line.
And for a player who is seen as a true three-and-D wing, this has hurt his value around the league. Last season, Jones played in 56 games for the Pelicans, averaging 8.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game.
The forward shot 30.9 percent from distance, adding more problems to his overall game. The former Alabama forward has also dealt with some injuries during his time in the NBA, and they have hurt his development.
Jones has been very good when healthy, but he just hasn't been able to sustain anything in the NBA. So, entering the 2026-27 season, which will be getting started very soon, there will be a lot of pressure on Jones to deliver for the Pelicans.
NBA analyst Dan Favale of Bleacher Report looked at players this season who have the most to lose, and Jones made the cut. Despite all his defensive ability, Jones could be on the cusp of losing rotation minutes with the Pelicans this season.
The Pelicans want to see more from Jones this season; otherwise, he could lose his minutes throughout the year. Even with New Orleans not viewed as a contender in the Western Conference, the team wants to start building for the future.
If Jones can't put together a better performance on offense, even slightly, the Pelicans may elect to move on from him. Jones has been subject to trade rumors over the years, but so far, New Orleans hasn't been jumping at the chance to move him.
Jones is under contract for four more seasons, including the upcoming 2026 year, with him scheduled to make $14.8 this year. His salary increases every year, with him scheduled to receive $20.8 in 2027-28, $22.5 million in 2028-29, an then he has a player option in the final year for $24.1 million
His contract is fairly friendly, considering all the other deals going around the NBA. But if he can't step up this season, the former Alabama player could be on the outside looking in of rotation minutes, either with the Pelicans or another team.
