Why the Sixers Should Be Eyeing Herb Jones - and Why They Might Regret Not Doing So
Herb Jones isn’t just a good defender - he’s the kind of player who makes opposing wings think twice before putting the ball on the floor. At 27, he’s entering the prime of his career, and he’s doing it with a defensive toolkit that’s as versatile as it is relentless.
He can switch across four positions, stay in front of elite scorers, and make life miserable for ball-handlers from the opening tip to the final buzzer. And yet, despite all that, the Philadelphia 76ers don’t appear to be in the mix for him.
That’s a head-scratcher.
While teams like the Lakers are reportedly pushing hard to land him - and for good reason, given their defensive lapses - the Sixers have remained quiet. But this is exactly the kind of player Philadelphia should be targeting.
Let’s start with the contract. Jones is on a team-friendly deal, which makes him all the more valuable in a league where financial flexibility can be just as important as on-court production.
He’s not a high-usage offensive player, but that’s not what you’d be trading for. You’d be getting one of the most disciplined, switchable, and high-IQ defenders in the league - someone who can slot in next to your stars and elevate your defensive ceiling without needing the ball in his hands.
The Sixers' Defensive Dilemma
Philadelphia has made strides on the defensive end, but there’s still a clear vulnerability when it comes to containing dynamic perimeter scorers. That’s a problem in an Eastern Conference that features names like Jayson Tatum, Donovan Mitchell, and Jimmy Butler - all of whom can tilt a playoff series with their scoring. Herb Jones doesn’t eliminate that problem entirely, but he makes it a whole lot easier to manage.
This is where team-building strategy comes into play. The Sixers are heavy on offensive firepower.
What they need is someone who can complement that with elite-level defense - a player who doesn’t need touches to make an impact. Jones fits that mold perfectly.
The Price Tag: Two First-Round Picks?
Now, here’s where things get tricky. The buzz is that Jones could command two first-round picks.
That’s a steep ask for a player who isn’t going to fill up the box score offensively. But in today’s NBA, where wing defense is at a premium and versatility is the name of the game, it’s not an outrageous price.
Think about what the Sixers are trying to build. They’ve got the scoring.
They’ve got the star power. What they don’t have is a lockdown perimeter defender who can take the toughest assignment every night and still have the stamina to do it again the next game.
Jones brings that, and he brings it with consistency.
Daryl Morey’s Decision Point
If you’re Daryl Morey and the front office, you have to at least kick the tires on this. The Pelicans might be willing to talk, especially if they’re looking to retool around Zion Williamson’s uncertain health future. That creates an opportunity - and the Sixers can’t afford to let it pass without serious consideration.
There’s no need to overhaul the roster. But adding a player like Jones could be the kind of move that pushes this team from contender to true title threat.
He doesn’t need to be a star. He just needs to be the guy who makes life harder for the other team’s best player - and right now, the Sixers don’t have that guy.
Final Thought
Herb Jones is the kind of role player who doesn’t always get the headlines, but he changes games with his effort, instincts, and defensive presence. If the Sixers are serious about contending deep into the playoffs, they need to look past the scoring sheet and focus on what wins in May and June - stops, switches, and making the other team uncomfortable. Jones does all of that and more.
Philadelphia doesn’t have to break the bank, but standing pat might end up being the bigger risk.