A New Orleans Pelicans player has received a prestigious award from the National Basketball League. The NBA named Herb Jones to the All Defensive Team and was one of only five players to receive the honor. Jones is the first Pelican represented on the team since 2018 when Jrue Holiday and Anthony Davis were named. He's only the fourth Pelican to receive the honor. The Pelicans were the top six in defense in the league this past year with the help of Jones. According to the Pelicans, prior to Jones being drafted No. 35 overall in 2021, New Orleans had finished between 21st and 23rd in defensive efficiency (points allowed per 100 possessions) in each of the previous three seasons. Even during the 2017-18 campaign when both Holiday and Davis were First-Team All-Defense, the Pelicans were a middle-of-the-road 14th in the advanced statistic. From the franchise’s inaugural season of 2002-03 prior to Jones becoming a second-round draft steal, New Orleans had placed in the top 10 of defensive rating just four times in 19 seasons – and never higher than sixth place.Jones also reached uncharted territory among New Orleans’ First-Team All-Defense picks for another reason: He claimed the honor in just the third year of his NBA career. Paul’s initial first-team status occurred in Year 4, while Davis’ came in Year 5. Holiday was a nine-year pro when he was selected to the league’s elite defensive squad with New Orleans.