New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones has been ruled out indefinitely due to a posterior labrum tear in his right shoulder.
An MRI was conducted Thursday, the Pelicans confirmed.
While playing against the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday, Jones signaled to the bench he was experiencing discomfort in his right shoulder. He left the game and went straight to the locker room.
His right shoulder issues caused Jones to miss a month earlier in the season.
Jones was averaging 10.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.9 steals in 20 games.
Pelicans announce that forward Herb Jones has been diagnosed with a posterior labrum tear in his right shoulder. An MRI taken yesterday confirmed the injury.
Jones will be out indefinitely and further updates will be appropriately provided. pic.twitter.com/8TAi136BCx
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) January 10, 2025
Unfortunate Pelicans Season Gets Uglier
Losing one of the best perimeter defenders in the league is yet another blow in what has already been an abysmal season for New Orleans.
A year ago and nearly to the day, Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant underwent surgery for a torn labrum and was ruled out for the remainder of last season.
Back in 2021, Pascal Siakam underwent surgery in June to repair a torn labrum and returned to action five months later.
In Jones’ case, those timelines would likely rule him out for the remainder of the season.
Coming in with genuine aspirations of making the playoffs in the West, the Pelicans now sit with the second-worst record in the league at 7-31.
Zion Williamson just returned to action, but he’s one of several players who have missed significant time this season. Dejounte Murray, CJ McCollum, Brandon Ingram, Trey Murphy and Jose Alvarado have all had their share of time on the shelf.
Time To Sell?
With the tough times on the court but significant talent on hand, the Pelicans have become a team to watch as potential sellers at the trade deadline.
Jones, Murphy and emerging center Yves Missi have been reportedly considered untouchable.
That being the case, it’s made Brandon Ingram’s name spread across trade rumors in the past month, though actually facilitating a deal that makes sense for both sides has proven a challenge since last season.
Williamson has only begun to make trade rumors, though something involving him seems premature at this stage in the process.
McCollum is a proven veteran scorer who some teams may covet.
