After the start center Jonas Valanciunas left the Pelicans for Washington in free agency and Larry Nance Jr. was included in the trade package for Dejounte MurrayNew Orleans was shorthanded at center heading into training camp, on top of a free agent minimum salary requirement Daniel Theis represents the only experienced traditional center on the roster.

Instead of starting Theis, the Pelicans are going after a versatile forward Herbert Jones As for Valanciunas’ replacement in the 2024-25 season, ESPN’s Shams Charania told his colleagues on “The Pat McAfee Show” (YouTube video link).

“I’m told Herb Jones will essentially serve as the starting center for the Pelicans.” Charania said. “You look at it CJ McCollum, Dejounte Murray, Brandon IngramHerb Jones and Zion Williamsona lot of people say, ‘Oh, Zion Williamson‘play the five.'”

However the team decides to assemble its projected frontcourt of Ingram, Jones and Williamson, New Orleans will have plenty of interesting options on offense.

“(Head Coach) Willie Green came out the other day and said, ‘(Zion’s) not the five… We’re not talking about fives, we’re talking about (playing) out of position'” Charania said. “I do think that has some credibility, but at the end of the day someone has to guard the other centers and in most cases that will be Herb Jones.”

The 26-year-old Jones was an All-Defensive First Teamer in his third season in 2023-24. The 1.87 meter tall swingman was the only player to make the first team who was not a center. It sounds like that might not be the case if he wins the award again this year.

As for Williamson, Charania assures that the All-Star forward – who played a career-best 70 games last year after missing significant time in his first four seasons due to injury – looks healthy and focused this preseason.

“Everyone at the Pelicans believes they are primed for a big season.” Charania said. “In previous years, at this point in training camp or at the start of the season, there’s always been an injury… I think now he’s not playing his way into conditioning, he’s already in great shape.”