The New Orleans Pelicans are well aware of their third-year stopper Herb Jones' defensive prowess, and that was also represented in the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year voting.
Jones landed at No. 5 in the voting with a total of 14 points. He received two 2nd place votes, but no 1st place votes.
The award was won for the fourth time by Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert, tying him with NBA Hall-of-Famers Ben Wallace and Dikembe Mutombo. Gobert was one of four centers as the top vote-getters, along with San Antonio's Victor Wembenyama, Miami's Bam Adebayo and L.A.'s Anthony Davis.
FULL RESULTS
1. Rudy Gobert, C, Timberwolves: 433 (1st: 72; 2nd: 24; 3rd: 1)
2. Victor Wembenyama, C, Spurs: 245 (1st: 19; 2nd: 44; 3rd: 18)
3. Bam Adebayo, C, Heat: 91 (1st: 3; 2nd: 15; 3rd: 31)
4. Anthony Davis, C, Lakers: 83 (1st: 4; 2nd: 10; 3rd: 33)
5. Herb Jones, F, Pelicans: 14 (2nd: 2; 3rd: 8)
6. Jrue Holiday, G, Celtics: 7 (1st: 1; 3rd: 2)
7. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, G, Thunder: 6 (2nd: 2)
8. Derrick White, G, Celtics: 5 (2nd: 1; 3rd: 3)
9. Giannis Antetokounmpo, F, Bucks: 3 (2nd: 1
10. Jarrett Allen, C, Cavaliers: 1 (3rd: 1)
11. Alex Caruso, F, Bulls: 1 (3rd: 1)
12. Domantas Sabonis, C, Kings: 1 (3rd: 1)
13. Jalen Suggs, G, Magic: 1 (3rd: 1)
While landing at No. 5 is certainly a sign that Jones' defense is respected around the league, his 14 points did mark a significant dropoff in the voting, landing 69 points behind Anthony Davis in 4th. Another former Pelicans star in Jrue Holiday came in behind Jones in the rankings.
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The former 2nd round pick out of Alabama came into the league as an NBA-ready defender, impacting the New Orleans roster since his rookie season. He actually had his worst season in terms of steals per game (1.4), but his total of 105 on the year was good for 11th in the league.
Jones' campaign was likely strengthened through promotion from the team, with frequent social media posts on the subject, and even a shirt featuring the catchphrase "not on Herb" in the shape of a lock.