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Governor of Louisiana declares May 28 'Not on Herb Day' after Pelicans' Herb Jones

Chandler Vesselsby:Chandler Vessels•05/28/24•

ChandlerVessels

herb jones
Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Pelicans forward Herb Jones now has his own official day in the state of Louisiana thanks to governor Jeff Landry. Jones, who earned his first appearance on the NBA All-Defensive team this past season, was honored Tuesday as Landry declared May 28 “Not on Herb Day” after the lockdown defender.

Jones averaged 1.4 steals and 0.8 blocks this past season and was one of only four players to record 100 total steals and 60 total blocks. The Pelican’s posted Landry’s official proclamation via X.

“I, Jeff Landry, Governor of the State of the Louisiana, by virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of the laws of the State of Louisiana, do hereby proclaim May 28, 2024, as Not on Herb Day in the State of Louisiana and urge citizens of our state to recognize on this day not only Herb’s on-court achievements, but also his humility, his work ethic and his commitment to our community,” Landry wrote.

Jones is a native of Greensboro, Alabama, who went on to play college basketball for the hometown Alabama Crimson Tide under coaches Avery Johnson and later Nate Oats. His defense prowess was evident even then as he was a two-time All-SEC Defensive player with career averages of 7.3 points. 4.9 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 0.8 blocks per game.

Jones responded to receiving a day named after him with a video of his own tagging Landry on X.

“What’s up, Governor Landry?” he began. “I appreciate you recognizing today at Not on Herb Day. I’m so thankful for you guys and all the Pels fans that have given me support since I’ve been here. I’ll continue to do my job, working hard, playing the right way for this community and this city and this organization. Go Pels.”

Additionally, Jones ranked third in the NBA with an average of 3.4 contested 3-pointers per game in 2023-24. He also tied for 15th with 12 charges taken and finished fifth in the voting for Defensive Player of the Year.

New Orleans ended this past season with a 49-33 record and earned the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference of the NBA Playoffs. The Pelicans would ultimately be swept in the first round by the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Either way, the performance from Jones and the team as a whole spells big things for the future of the franchise. The 6-foot-8 forward is set to enter the final season of his rookie contract in 2024-25 and has certainly earned himself an extension with his play.