New Orleans forward Herbert Jones, who inked a three-year, $68 million extension over the summer, said he is concentrating on becoming a more vocal presence for the Pelicans this season. The 27-year-old is under contract through the 2029-30 campaign, with a player option for the final year.
In a conversation with Grant Afseth of RG.org, Jones explained that his growth has centered on directing teammates offensively. “Most of my growth has come through just being more vocal and telling guys what I see,” he said. “If the defense is doing something, I can see it and try to give our guys something to beat it.”
Through nine games, Jones is averaging 10.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.4 steals while shooting 44.9% from the field, 45.0% from three and 66.7% at the line. He also praised lottery picks Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen, citing their refusal to back down in practice.
Queen’s Record Quarter
Queen, a 20-year-old center out of Maryland, delivered a historic fourth quarter in Tuesday’s win over Charlotte—the club’s first victory of the season. He recorded 12 points, seven rebounds, four assists and three steals in the period, becoming the first NBA player to post that stat line in any quarter since play-by-play tracking began in 1996-97.
The rookie’s play also caught the attention of Spurs legend Tim Duncan during Saturday’s loss in San Antonio. Duncan, who was in attendance, texted Pelicans television analyst and former teammate Antonio Daniels, writing, “I really like that Queen guy,” according to NOLA.com.
Murphy Matches Career High
Forward Trey Murphy III, in the opening season of his four-year, $112 million rookie-scale extension, ended a slow start with a career-tying 41-point effort on 15-of-22 shooting against the Spurs on Saturday. He added nine rebounds and three assists in the defeat.
“He scored on every level tonight,” head coach Willie Green said. “He got to the free-throw line. He got to the paint. He shot the ball well. He rebounded the ball well—something we’ve been talking about.”
The Pelicans continue a four-game homestand on Wednesday when they host the Denver Nuggets.
Source: Hoops Rumors
