Sam Jones

Sam Jones was an American professional basketball player who spent his entire 12-year career with the Boston Celtics in the National Basketball Association. He was one of the most prolific winners in NBA history, capturing 10 NBA championships.

Player Profile and Personal Life

Samuel Jones was born on June 24, 1933, in Laurinburg, North Carolina, and passed away on December 30, 2021, in Boca Raton, Florida. He stood 193 cm tall and his weight was last listed at 90 kg.

Jones was married to Gladys Chavis until her death in 2018, and together they had five children.

After his basketball career, he spent several decades living in Silver Spring, Maryland, where he frequently worked as a substitute teacher in the Montgomery County public school system.

In his retirement years, he resided in St. Augustine, Florida, before passing away in Boca Raton at the age of 88.

High School and College Career

Jones began his basketball journey at Laurinburg Institute in Laurinburg, North Carolina.

He then attended North Carolina Central University, where he played from 1951 to 1954, and after a brief interruption, returned to complete his collegiate career from 1956 to 1957.

Professional Career

Jones was selected as the 8th overall pick in the first round of the 1957 NBA draft by the Boston Celtics. His professional career spanned from 1957 to 1969, during which he wore number 24.

He spent his entire playing career with the Boston Celtics from 1957 to 1969, where he was a crucial part of one of basketball's greatest dynasties, winning ten NBA championships from 1959 to 1966 and in 1968 and 1969.

Throughout his career, he was selected to five NBA All-Star teams in 1962, 1964-1966, and 1968. He also earned three All-NBA Second Team selections (1965-1967). He was also named to the NBA's 25th, 50th, and 75th Anniversary Teams, and the Celtics retired his number 24.

Over his 12-year NBA career, Jones averaged 17.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game, accumulating 15,411 points, 4,305 rebounds, and 2,209 assists.

After his playing career, he briefly served as an assistant coach for the New Orleans Jazz in the 1974-1975 season. Later, he was inducted into both the Basketball Hall of Fame and the College Basketball Hall of Fame (2006).

Career Highlights

• 1959-1966, 1968, 1969 - NBA Champion (10x)
• 1962, 1964-1966, 1968 - NBA All-Star
• 1965-1967 - All-NBA Second Team
• 1971, 1996, 2021 - NBA Anniversary Team (25th, 50th, 75th)
• Jersey Number Retired by the Boston Celtics