The 2021 SEC Player of the Year, Herb Jones improved tremendously as a senior. On the year, he averaged 11.2 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 3.3 APG, 1.7 SPG, 1.1 BPG, and 2.8 TOPG on 45/35/71. Below is his full scouting report:
Name: Herb Jones
Height/Weight: 6’7 / 206
Wingspan/ standing reach: 7’0 / 8’10
Hand size: 9
Position: Small Forward
College: Alabama
Tools: Defense, playmaking
Pros:
- High defensive upside with good size
- Outstanding recovery ability
- Plus vision and capable as a tertiary ball handler
- Active hands on d with long arms
- Intelligent cutter and playmaker
Cons:
- Lacks explosion attacking the rim; finishes low
- Jump shot still needs to be more consistent
- Doesn’t blow by defenders
- Jump shot isn’t always steady
- Needs to add strength to play small ball 5
Overall:
Herb Jones is a defensive-minded wing with the ability to pass and defend multiple positions. On the defensive end, Jones provides just about everything teams could want in a small forward: versatility, active hands, making possessions more of a grind, forcing turnovers, and rotating well. With his long arms, Jones can disrupt plays both in the passing lanes and by poking the ball free from ball-handlers, and he can even scale up defensively and protect the rim at times. With his offensive weaknesses, playing the center position might be crucial in Jones sticking in the NBA. He will need to add more weight & strength to play center, which would usually come in small lineups. Offensively, while Jones improved his jump shot from 7% to 35% from 3 this season, he is a liability to an extent. He makes up for his shooting woes with good passing, active cutting, and overall intelligence, but these areas may be limited by his lack of shooting. Additionally, he needs to become a better finisher in the half-court, which could also negate his other strengths. With Jones’ work ethic and defensive prowess with ancillary skills, it is easy to give him the benefit of the doubt in developing his game.
Similar to: Theo Pinson, Lu Dort lite
Projected draft range: 30-60
Expected role: Backup wing with defensive prowess and versatility
Unplayable if: Jump shooting and finishing don’t translate or improve to near league-average
Exceeds expectations if: Jump shooting progressions from junior to season year were legitimate, and his work ethic helps him continue to grow offensively.
Shot chart:
