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Jim Eichenhofer

Age: 31NBA experience: Nine seasons (three with Pelicans)Games played/games started: 61/0Key stats: 5.7 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 1.0 spg, 57.3 FG percentage

Pelicans center Larry Nance Jr.’s 2023-24 NBA season overview

Apropos for a nine-year pro who was among a dozen finalists for the NBA’s Teammate of the Year award, Nance spent his entire April 30 exit interview speaking about other Pelicans players, instead of his own game. “Huge leaps and bounds from various guys on the team,” Nance said, when asked to list some of the best aspects of New Orleans’ campaign. “Herb (Jones), Trey (Murphy), Naji (Marshall), Jose (Alvarado), guys making huge jumps (improvements). It was really cool to see that.”

The Pelicans again upped their win total from the previous season under Willie Green, with their second-unit center figuring prominently in that success, particularly after a start that was hampered by injuries, both for Nance and the team overall. It wasn’t until a Dec. 28 return to the court that Nance began to look like himself physically following an ankle injury, but New Orleans immediately won six of its next seven games. During the second half of the season, Nance often started second halves of games, with the Pelicans going 13-3 when he logged at least 23:00 of playing time. Twelve of those wins occurred between Dec. 28 and April 7. The team’s 49 regular season victories were the most for a Nance team since his 2017-18 Cleveland squad (50-32) that reached the NBA Finals, before losing to a historically great Golden State club led by Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant.

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Larry Nance Jr. Top Plays | 2023‑24 NBA Season Highlights

Pelicans team reporter Erin Summers recaps New Orleans Pelicans forward/center Larry Nance Jr.'s 2023-24 NBA season.

Larry Nance Jr.'s per-game stats from the 2023-24 NBA season

Three-point percentage, a career high, albeit on relatively modest volume (he was 27 of 65). Over the last two seasons, Nance has evolved into a willing corner three-point shooter, with over half of his attempts coming from there (that had never been more than a 31 percent share in any of his previous NBA seasons, via Basketball Reference).

Free throw percentage, also a career high. Nance connected on 47 of 61 attempts from the charity stripe, bringing him close to league average (78.4). He shot between 65 and 69 percent on foul shots during his previous Lakers, Cleveland and Portland tenures.

New Orleans record when Nance grabbed at least seven rebounds. They were 12-5 when he blocked at least one shot.

Larry Nance Jr.’s three most notable games

#1, April 19, New Orleans 105, Sacramento 98

In a do-or-die play-in tournament game, Pelicans reserves flourished, led by Nance’s all-around excellence. He posted 13 points on 6/7 shooting, adding four rebounds, three assists and two steals. Nance played in three of the six victories over the Kings.

Play-In highlights from New Orleans vs. the Sacramento Kings in their 2024 NBA Play-In Tournament game on Friday, April 19, 2024 as forward/center Larry Nance Jr. dunks the ball, steals the ball, then dunks it again.

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Larry Nance dunks, steals, dunks again | Pelicans-Kings Play-In Highlights 4/19/24

Play-In highlights from New Orleans vs. the Sacramento Kings in their 2024 NBA Play-In Tournament game on Friday, April 19, 2024 as forward/center Larry Nance Jr. slams down the dunk.

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Larry Nance Jr. slams it down for the dunk | Pelicans-Kings Play-In Highlights 4/19/24

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Sacramento Kings NBA Western Conference Play-In Tournament postgame interviews with forward/center Larry Nance Jr. after the Pelicans' 105-98 win over the Kings on Friday, April 19 during the 2023-24 NBA season.

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Larry Nance Jr. talks bench unit, returning to playoffs | Pelicans-Kings Play-In Postgame 4/19/2024

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Pelicans 105, Kings 98: Brandon Ingram 24 points | Play-in postgame wrap

Nance helped the extremely shorthanded Pelicans stun the Mavericks by scoring a season-high 14 points (he had 14 again at Dallas two days later). He was 4/4 from the field and 6/6 at the foul line, while notching a plus-14 in 20 minutes.

Guard Jose Alvarado hits two back-to-back three-point field goals and then finds forward Larry Nance Jr. during the New Orleans Pelicans game against the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday, Jan. 13 in American Airlines Center.

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Jose Alvarado hits back-to-back 3s, finds Nance on alley-oop | Pelicans at Mavericks Highlights 1/13/2024

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Postgame wrap: Pelicans 118, Mavericks 108

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Photos: Pelicans at Mavericks | Game Action 1/13/2024

New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green's postgame interview after the Pelicans' game against the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday, Jan. 13 during the 2023-24 NBA season.

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Willie Green recaps win over Dallas | Pelicans-Mavericks Postgame Interview 1/13/2024

#3, Dec. 31, New Orleans 129, LA Lakers 109

One of Nance’s two double-doubles this season (the other was March 19 at Brooklyn), he helped ruin the Lake Show’s New Year’s Eve. He compiled 11 points and 10 rebounds, tying fellow ex-Laker Brandon Ingram with a team-high plus-17 in 23 minutes.

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Postgame wrap: Pelicans 129, Lakers 109

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Photos: Pelicans vs. Lakers | Game Action 12/31/23

New Orleans Pelicans post game interview with head coach Willie Green after their win against the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday, Dec. 31 during the 2023-24 NBA season.

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Willie Green recaps win over Los Angeles | Pelicans Lakers Postgame Interview 12/31/23

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Photos: Pelicans vs. Lakers | Fans and Entertainment 12/31/23

Larry Nance Jr.’s player participation report

He played the first 10 games of the regular season but didn’t look 100 percent physically, trying to push through injuries. After separate DNP stretches of four and 13 games in November and December, Nance appeared in 47 of the final 51 regular season contests, as well as all six postseason tilts. He had two spans of playing 17 consecutive games (New Orleans went 10-7 and 12-5 during those).

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Larry Nance Jr. | 2023-24 NBA Season in Review

Pelicans.com

On the latest New Orleans Pelicans Podcast from Tuesday, May 14, 2024, Jim Eichenhofer and Gus Kattengell welcome Pelicans team reporter Erin Summers to discuss Larry Nance Jr.'s 2023-2024 NBA season as we continue with our Pelicans roster season recaps.

LISTEN ABOVE OR CLICK HERE FOR FULL PODCAST >>

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Larry Nance Jr.'s 2023-24 NBA season recap | Pelicans Podcast

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Trey Murphy III 2023-24 NBA season recap | Pelicans Podcast

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Jonas Valanciunas’ 2023-24 NBA season recap | Pelicans Podcast

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Herb Jones’ 2023-24 NBA season recap | Pelicans Podcast

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CJ McCollum’s 2023-24 NBA season recap | Pelicans Podcast

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Brandon Ingram's 2023-24 NBA season recap | Pelicans Podcast

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Zion Williamson's 2023-24 NBA season recap | Pelicans Podcast

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Pelicans Season Recap, NBA Playoffs vs. OKC Thunder | Pelicans Podcast

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Pelicans must-win Game 4, adjustments vs. OKC Thunder | Pelicans Podcast

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Pelicans Radio Roundtable on Game 3 vs. OKC Thunder | Pelicans Podcast

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David Wesley on evolution of playoff basketball, Game 2 at Thunder | Pelicans Podcast

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Thunder vs. Pelicans Game 1 recap, look ahead to remaining games | Pelicans Podcast

Pelicans Podcast

Age: 23NBA experience: Three seasons (three with Pelicans)Games played/games started: 57/23Key stats: 14.8 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 2.2 apg, 81.5 FT percentage, 38.0 three-point percentage

Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III’s 2023-24 NBA season overview

Murphy’s campaign was a lot like that of the Pelicans overall: Another step forward, but not wholly satisfying, particularly given how it concluded. A summer knee injury prevented Murphy from making his season debut until Dec. 1 – and his starts decreased from 65 to 23 due to Zion Williamson’s excellent availability – but Murphy still established a career high in scoring and continued to be one of the NBA’s most dangerous deep-shooting threats.

“All things considered, I feel like it was a decently successful season,” he said during his April 30 exit interview. “We won 49 games. Winning 49 games is not an easy feat in the NBA. If we were in the Eastern Conference, we’d be a third seed. Obviously we wanted the season to end a little differently, but overall team success I’d say was good. I was able to contribute to that as well. It was my first time having a real major injury, so coming back from that was something I had to deal with mentally and try to get over the hump with that.”

Murphy finished seventh in the NBA’s Most Improved Player vote in 2022-23, but making another jump that large probably wasn’t realistic, particularly given his delayed start to Year 3. But the North Carolina native remains a player that many observers across the league are keeping an eye on, based on his upside and potential.

“I know where I can go, especially with how hard I work and overall drive,” he said. “I think the biggest thing is work hard every day… understanding I’m going to be a really good player in this league. It’s just a matter of time before it really shows.”

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Trey Murphy III Top Plays | 2023‑24 NBA Season Highlights

The Advocate's Christian Clark recaps New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III's 2023-24 NBA season.

Trey Murphy III's per-game stats from the 2023-24 NBA season

Rank among all NBA players this season in catch-and-shoot three-pointers made per game (2.3). The only gunners who averaged more than Murphy were Lauri Markkanen (3.1), Donte DiVincenzo, Klay Thompson, Luke Kennard and Stephen Curry. Bogdan Bogdanovic and Malik Beasley tied Murphy at 2.3 per game.

Rank in scoring average among players who came off the bench at least 30 games this season. Murphy averaged 13.8 points in his 34 appearances as a reserve. Jordan Clarkson led the category at 17.4 ppg in 36 games as a sub.

New Orleans record when Murphy sank at least four three-pointers in a game, including 11-0 when he drained five-plus treys. The Pelicans were undefeated during his big nights from deep until March 26 and April 1 home losses to Oklahoma City and Phoenix, respectively.

At this point, the Raptors probably have had their fill of three-point shooting from Pelicans forwards. Brandon Ingram went ballistic from distance on Feb. 5 vs. Toronto, while Murphy shot 10/14 off the bench on threes in this blowout in Canada. He poured in a season-high 34 points.

Pelicans Stat Leader Highlights: Trey Murphy III with 34 Points vs. Toronto Raptors

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New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III speaks to the media following the team's win over the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday, March 5, 2024.

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Trey Murphy III on big night, Herb Jones | Pelicans at Raptors Postgame 3/5/24

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Photos: Pelicans at Raptors | Game Action 3/5/2024

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Postgame wrap: Pelicans 139, Raptors 98

#2, Feb. 27, New Orleans 115, New York 92

One of the Pelicans’ best road victories was highlighted by Murphy posting 26 points, seven rebounds, four assists and a steal, logging 36 minutes as a starter. He deposited six three-pointers in his 11 attempts at Madison Square Garden.

New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III scored 26 points in the team's road win against the New York Knicks on February 27, 2024.

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Pelicans Stat Leader Highlights: Trey Murphy III with 26 points vs. New York Knicks 2/27/24

New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III speaks with the media following the team's road win against the New York Knicks on Tuesday, February 27, 2024.

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Trey Murphy III | Pelicans at Knicks Postgame Interview 2/27/24

New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green speaks with the media following the team's road win against the New York Knicks on Tuesday, February 27, 2024.

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Willie Green | Pelicans at Knicks Postgame Interview 2/27/24

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Postgame wrap: Pelicans 115, Knicks 92

#3, Dec. 1, New Orleans 121, San Antonio 106

This performance didn’t even rank in Murphy’s top 10 scoring games this season, but an 18-point night was beautiful to see, as he made his return to the court from offseason knee surgery. He was 7/13 from the field and 4/10 on triples.

Pelicans Stat Leader Highlights: Trey Murphy III with 18 Points vs. San Antonio Spurs

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New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III speaks to the media following the team's win over the San Antonio Spurs on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023.

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Trey Murphy III on his first game back | Pelicans vs. Spurs Postgame 12/1/23

New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green speaks to the media following the team's win over the San Antonio Spurs on Monday, Dec. 1, 2023.

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Willie Green talks win, return of Trey Murphy III | Pelicans Spurs Postgame 12/1/23

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Postgame wrap: Pelicans 121, Spurs 106

Trey Murphy’s player participation report

He was forced to miss the first 19 games of the regular season as he rehabbed his knee, then sidelined for three contests around the new year with knee soreness – but after that he was nearly always available. Murphy appeared in each of the team’s final 36 regular season games, then all six postseason tilts. In 2022-23, he tied sturdy Jonas Valanciunas for the team lead in games played with 79.

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Trey Murphy III | 2023-24 NBA Season in Review

On the latest New Orleans Pelicans Podcast from Monday, May 13, 2024, Jim Eichenhofer and Gus Kattengell welcome The Advocate's Christian Clark to discuss Trey Murphy III's 2023-2024 NBA season as we continue with our Pelicans roster season recaps.

Age: 32NBA experience: Twelve seasons (three with Pelicans)Games played/games started: 82/82Key stats: 12.2 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 2.1 apg, 55.9 FG percentage

Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas’ 2023-24 NBA season overview

An ironman campaign for the native of Lithuania was highlighted by the center playing in all 82 games, meaning the Pelicans could count on their starting pivot to be there every night. Less reliable was the specific role Valanciunas filled, with his minutes per game going from 25.5 prior to the All-Star break to 19.3 following the midseason hiatus. As a result, his counting stats took a similar dip. Through that decrease, Valanciunas never complained and remained a true professional, focusing on what he could do to contribute on or off the court. “I’m a team player,” he said during April 30 exit interviews. “Whatever it takes. The big picture is winning. We didn’t do that this year enough. As I said to the coaching staff, I’m here to help. I’m here to do everything to win games. Stats are not important when you look at the (team) record.” Valanciunas, who will become an unrestricted free agent July 1, was uncertain about what the future holds, but described 2023-24 as more positive than negative. “It was a good season,” he described. “At moments we were really good. It was ups and downs, like every season. But I love the group I played with. We did some great stuff on the court. It was memorable.”

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Jonas Valanciunas' Top Plays | 2023‑24 NBA Season Highlights

Jonas Valanciunas' Pelicans Podcast recap

Voice of the Pelicans Todd Graffagnini recaps New Orleans Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas' 2023-24 NBA season.

Jonas Valanciunas' per-game stats from the 2023-24 NBA season

Shooting splits prior to the All-Star break, in 55 games played (New Orleans went 33-22). Those Valanciunas splits were 52/22/74 in his 27 post-break games (16-11).

New Orleans record when he scored 18-plus points. Only one of those 14 instances occurred in March or April.

New Orleans record when he grabbed 12-plus rebounds. None of those 19 instances occurred in March or April.

Jonas Valanciunas’ three most notable games

#1, Dec. 15, New Orleans 112, Charlotte 107

Two double-digit scoring halves resulted in a season-high 29 points, with the Pelicans repeatedly going to him on the low block. He dominated the paint with 13 rebounds and two blocks.

Pelicans center scored 29 points, grabbed 13 rebounds, threw four assists and blocked two shots during the New Orleans Pelicans game against the Charlotte Hornets on Friday, Dec. 15 in Spectrum Center.

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Pelicans Stat Leader Highlights: Jonas Valanciunas scores 29 vs. Charlotte Hornets 12/15/23

New Orleans Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas' postgame interview after the Pelicans' win against the Charlotte Hornets on Friday, Dec. 15 during the 2023-24 NBA season.

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Jonas Valanciunas on his performance, passes down the stretch | Pelicans vs. Hornets Postgame Interview 12/15/2

New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado's postgame interview after the Pelicans' win against the Charlotte Hornets on Friday, Dec. 15 during the 2023-24 NBA season.

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Jose Alvarado talks Jonas Valanciunas' performance, depth | Pelicans vs. Hornets Postgame Interview 12/15/23

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Postgame wrap: Pelicans 112, Hornets 107

The Pelicans entered this divisional matchup at just 26-21, but their first win against the Rockets began a surge of 16 victories over the next 21 games. Valanciunas outplayed fellow international big Alperen Sengun by rolling to 25 points and 14 rebounds.

Highlights from New Orleans Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas scoring 25 points against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday, Jan. 31 during 2023-24 NBA season.

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Highlights: Jonas Valanciunas scores 25 points at Houston Rockets 1/31/2024

New Orleans Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas' postgame interview after the Pelicans' win against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday, Jan. 31 during the 2023-24 NBA season.

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Jonas Valanciunas talks team-high 25 in win | Pelicans-Rockets Postgame 1/31/2024

New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum's postgame interview after the Pelicans' win against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday, Jan. 31 during the 2023-24 NBA season.

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CJ McCollum talks Jonas, bench in win | Pelicans-Rockets Postgame 1/31/2024

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Postgame wrap: Pelicans 110, Rockets 99

Speaking of meetings with international bigs, Valanciunas registered 22 points and eight rebounds vs. Nikola Jokic, as the Pelicans posted a vital In-Season Tournament pool play victory. Jokic notched a gaudy 26-16-18 line, but in a defeat.

Pelicans Stat Leader Highlights: Jonas Valanciunas with 22 Points vs. Denver Nuggets

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Jonas Valanciunas blocks Nikola Jokic during Pelicans vs Nuggets on 11/17/23

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Jonas Valanciunas blocks Nikola Jokic | Pelicans vs Nuggets 11/17/23

New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green talks to the team postgame in the Pelicans locker room after their In-Season Tournament win against the Denver Nuggets during the 2023-24 NBA season.

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Inside the Pelicans locker room postgame after win vs. Denver Nuggets 11/17/2023

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NBA In-Season Tournament postgame wrap: Pelicans 115, Nuggets 110

Jonas Valanciunas’ player participation report

Valanciunas was one of 17 NBA players who played in 82 games (or more – Buddy Hield led the league with 84, split between Indiana and Philadelphia), again proving his durability. Valanciunas also led New Orleans in games played during the 2022-23 season (tied with Trey Murphy with 79). “I’m really happy about that,” Valanciunas said during April 30 exit interviews of his perfect attendance. “As tired as I am (physically), I’m very happy. I prioritize myself being available every day and every game.”

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Jonas Valanciunas | 2023-24 NBA Season in Review

On the latest New Orleans Pelicans Podcast from Friday, May 10, 2024, Jim Eichenhofer and Gus Kattengell are joined by the voice of the Pelicans Todd Graffagnini to discuss Jonas Valanciunas' 2023-2024 NBA season as we continue with our Pelicans roster season recaps.

Age: 25NBA experience: Three seasons (three with Pelicans)Games played/games started: 76/76Key stats: 11.0 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 2.6 apg, 1.4 spg, 49.8 FG percentage, 41.8 three-point percentage, 86.7 FT percentage

Pelicans guard Herb Jones’ 2023-24 NBA season overview

If you had asked New Orleans fans and media members prior to the season which Pelicans player had the best chance to emerge as a 50/40/90 shooter, answers such as Trey Murphy and CJ McCollum would’ve been extremely common. After all, the pair of offensive threats are among the NBA’s elite perimeter marksmen. As it turned out, Jones came the closest among the Pelicans to achieving the rare statistical feat, turning in splits (see above) of 50/42/87. The latter percentages represented gigantic improvements for Jones, who had finished at 47/34/76 in 2022-23.

Asked during April 30 exit interviews how he was able to make that leap shooting-wise, the often-understated Jones replied, “Continue to trust the work. Staying in the gym, continuing to play with a ton of confidence.”

Jones again established himself as a bona fide First-Team All-Defense candidate, spearheading New Orleans to a No. 6 ranking in defensive efficiency for a second straight season. That led to his second playoff trip in three seasons, though a 4-0 sweep vs. Oklahoma City meant a difficult close to Year 3.

“I think everybody’s a little disappointed in the way things ended, but I also think we did improve, competed and played really hard this year,” he said. “You’ve got to be OK with going out and putting forth your best effort, and coming up short.

“As long as we continue to work, I think the sky’s the limit. We’ve got to come back in the summer, continue to work hard and continue to build on what we’ve been building.”

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Herb Jones' Top Plays | 2023‑24 NBA Season Highlights

Team reporter Erin Summers recaps New Orleans Pelicans forward Herb Jones' 2023-24 NBA season.

Herb Jones' per-game stats from the 2023-24 NBA season

Team-leading charges drawn by Jones. Via NBA.com’s hustle stats section, he also led the Pelicans in deflections (195), defensive loose balls recovered (29) and contested three-point shots (257), some of which he also blocked.

Jones three-pointers made this season. He sank a total of 113 combined over the previous two campaigns (57 as a rookie, then 56 in Year 2).