Herb Jones is known for his defense.
But the New Orleans Pelicans' forward also doesn’t mind dishing out an assist or two.
Jones, who has 645 assists since being drafted by the Pelicans in 2021, added one more to his total Wednesday night.
And this particular assist didn’t go to Zion Williamson or Trey Murphy or any of his other teammates. And it was worth far more than just two points.
This one went to Trinity Smith, a senior at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts. And this one was worth $10,000.
Smith was the recipient of the 2026 Herb Jones Excellence Award.
Smith was named the winner during a ceremony in the Courtside Club of the Smoothie King Center following the Pelicans’ 112-104 loss to the Detroit Pistons.
“I wanted to give back to the community,” Jones said. “With so much we do in sports, I wanted to let the kids know that’s not the only option to be successful in life. (I wanted to) give back and help a student once they go back to college.”
Smith was one of 25 students from various New Orleans Public Schools who attended the event. All 25 students demonstrated high academic achievement and servs as leaders in their schools and in the community. Their accomplishments made choosing a winner difficult, Jones said.
But really, everyone was a winner.
Each student was given a gift bag that included a signed basketball, a jersey and a Surface Pro tablet and keyboard.
That led to a loud “We love you, Herb” cheer from the students.
“I probably would’ve reacted the same way if somebody had done that for me in high school,” Jones said. “Especially given circumstances back home. I was just happy that they were happy to get something to help them. I know once they get to college, a lot of kids don’t have the resources to get certain things. I’m glad I was able to be a blessing to others.”
Jones is known for not being flashy. He keeps it simple when it comes to things like fashion and spending money. He credits that to his upbringing growing up in Alabama.
“Back home, we didn’t have a lot to do,” Jones said. “But we found ways to have fun without having to spend money. I kept that with me as I grew. I always said once I ran into money, I would use those same principles to save and give back to my family or those that need it.”
Smith, who plans to attend Spelman College in Atlanta, was thrilled to win.
“This honor and this this distinguishment means everything to me,” Smith said. “I’ve worked so hard being an activist and a leader within my school and community. So to be awarded this and get recognition for the work I’ve put in feels like such a blessing.”
And for Jones, it was a blessing, too.
His stellar defense play over the years, including a selection to the All-Defensive Team two seasons ago, helped coin the phrase “Not on Herb.”
But Wednesday, it was more like “Because of Herb.”
Jones missed Wednesday's game because of an ankle injury he’s been dealing with. Yet he still managed to make an impact, albeit off the court, in the Smoothie King Center.
A player who takes pride in stopping opposing players from scoring goals takes just as much pride in helping students reach their goals.
“Regardless of what we do on the court, I want to leave a positive impact on the community,” Jones said. “Especially the kids.”