Sam JonesA member of the Basketball Hall of Fame since 1984, he was a key spark of the Boston Celtics dynasty in the 1960s, averaging 17.7 points and 4.9 rebounds per game.
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The Celtics said Jones died Thursday night in Florida, where he had been hospitalized.
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Jones won NBA titles with the Celtics from 1959 to 1966, 1968 and 1969. Only his teammate and iconic Celtics center Bill Russell, with 11 NBA titles, won more trophies than he did.
“Sam Jones will be remembered as one of the most prolific champions in all of professional sports,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.
“Sam was a beloved teammate and respected competitor who played the game with dignity and class. We mourn the passing of a basketball giant,” added Silver.
The Celtics held a moment of silence in tribute to Jones before a 123-108 home win over Phoenix on Friday and showed a video tribute of his NBA journey.
The club retired its jersey number, 24, in 1969, the year Jones stopped playing.
“Sam Jones was one of the most talented, versatile and decisive shooters for the most successful and dominant teams in NBA history,” the Celtics said in a statement.
“The Jones family is in our thoughts as we mourn his loss and fondly remember the life and career of one of the greatest champions in American sports,” added the Boston franchise.
The NBA’s five-time ‘All-Star’ led the Celtics in scoring five times and was named to the NBA’s 25th, 50th and 75th anniversary teams.
FOUNTAIN: AFP
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