Sam Jones

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Jones arrived in Boston after being selected by Red Auerbach two picks after Lennie Rosenbluth in the 1957 draft, despite Auerbach never having seen him play. Originally drafted by the Minneapolis Lakers in 1956, Jones voided that contract to finish his military service and degree at North Carolina Central University, where he scored 1,745 points under Hall of Fame coach John McLendon. In the NBA, he began as a reserve before replacing Bill Sharman as a starter. His offensive prowess was highlighted by a 51-point game against the Detroit Pistons on October 29, 1965, which stood as Boston's sixth-best single-game output at his death. Jones led the league in scoring five times and averaged over 20 points for four straight seasons from 1965 to 1968. His partnership with K.C. Jones in the backcourt created havoc, while his perfect form on the jump shot, particularly the bank shot from angles between 20 to 50 degrees, became his trademark.

In Their Own Story

The tension peaked in Game 7 of the 1966 NBA Finals as the Celtics fought for their eighth straight championship. Jones delivered a critical performance with 22 points and five rebounds, helping secure the title. His ability to score under pressure was legendary; he amassed 2,909 points across 154 playoff games, averaging 18.89 points per game as of the 2021 postseason. Opponents nicknamed him 'The Shooter' not just for his volume but for his composure when the clock wound down. He was one of only six Celtics to ever score 50 points in a single NBA game, proving that while Russell anchored the defense, Jones could dismantle defenses from the perimeter with surgical precision.

Reader's Guide

To understand Sam Jones's impact, focus on the period from 1959 to 1966 when he won eight consecutive titles alongside teammates Bill Russell and K.C. Jones. His value lay in his versatility as a tall guard who could run the floor and rebound effectively. After retiring in 1969, Jones remained connected to basketball through coaching stints at Federal City College (1969–1973) and North Carolina Central University (1973–74), followed by an assistant role with the New Orleans Jazz in 1974–75. His legacy was cemented when he entered the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1984, joining other honors like the NBA 25th Anniversary Team (1971) and the NBA 75th Anniversary Team (2021). The Boston Celtics honored his memory during the 2021–2022 season by wearing a black band with the number 24.

Did You Know?

• Jones was originally drafted by the Minneapolis Lakers in 1956 but voided their rights to return to college and complete his military service.
• Red Auerbach selected Jones two picks after Lennie Rosenbluth despite never having seen him play before the draft.
• He scored 51 points against the Detroit Pistons on October 29, 1965, a record that stood as Boston's sixth-best single-game output at his death in 2021.
• Jones was one of only three players to be part of all eight consecutive Celtics championships from 1959 to 1966.
• He served as the director of athletics for DC Public Schools Interhigh League from 1989 to 1991 and later worked as a substitute teacher in Montgomery County.