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NBA Rookie Ladder Week 22: Undrafted rookie enters top five

By Jack Simone

PORTLAND, OREGON - JANUARY 26: Trendon Watford #2 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts against the Dallas Mavericks during the second quarter at Moda Center on January 26, 2022 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - JANUARY 26: Trendon Watford #2 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts against the Dallas Mavericks during the second quarter at Moda Center on January 26, 2022 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /
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NBA Rookie Ladder
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MARCH 04: Herbert Jones #5 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts against the Utah Jazz during a game at the Smoothie King Center on March 04, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana, NBA Rookie Ladder Week 22: Undrafted rookie enters top five. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

Week 22 NBA Rookie Ladder: 4. Herbert Jones, New Orleans Pelicans

Rank last week: HM

Stats: 9.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 48.7% FG, 34.6% 3PT

Since last ladder: 14.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 50.0% FG, 35.7% 3PT

Herbert Jones is the most underrated rookie in the NBA. He doesn’t have the driving ability of Scottie Barnes, the finishing ability of Evan Mobley, or the overall offensive ability of Cade Cunningham.

However, he’s an elite defender who the New Orleans Pelicans trust to guard the opposing team’s best player every single night. And so far this season, he’s done an incredible job of doing so.

Four of his top matchups this season are Devin Booker, Donovan Mitchell, Anthony Edwards, and Luka Doncic. He’s held those four players to 20-of-78 shooting from the field this year. That’s 25.6 percent from the field.

The Pelicans aren’t the best team in the league, but they’ve looked worlds better since the trade deadline. With Josh Hart gone, Jones has had to step up even more on defense, and he hasn’t missed a beat.

Jones ranks third amongst all rookies in win shares, with only Mobley and Barnes ahead of him. When it comes to rookies that impact winning, he’s up there with the best of them.

Similar to Watford, Jones just doesn’t have the stats or buzz to take this award away from the top three guys, but Jones deserves a ton of love for what he’s done on the defensive side of the ball.