Sam Jones.Photo: Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty
Sam Jones, legendary Boston Celtics player who won 10 NBA championships with the franchise, died Thursday at the age of 88.
Jones died Thursday evening in Florida after the former basketball player was hospitalized for his failing health, according to Celtics spokesperson Jeff Twiss, ESPNreports.
“Sam Jones was one of the most talented, versatile, and clutch shooters for the most successful and dominant teams in NBA history,” the Celtics wrote in astatement. “His scoring ability was so prolific, and his form so pure, that he earned the simple nickname, ‘The Shooter.’ He was also known as ‘Mr. Clutch.’ "
“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,” it concluded.
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“You look at the championships and what he did, it’s obviously a big loss for the community here,” Celtics coach Ime Udoka said ahead of the game.
Jones was later inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1984.
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“Sam Jones will be remembered as one of the most prolific champions in all of professional sports. His selfless style, clutch performances and signature bank shot were hallmarks of an incredible career that featured 10 NBA championships in 12 seasons with the Boston Celtics,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in astatement.
“An HBCU legend at North Carolina Central University and a member of the NBA’s 25th, 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams, Sam was a beloved teammate and respected competitor who played the game with dignity and class,” he added. “We mourn the passing of a basketball giant and send our deepest condolences to Sam’s family and the Celtics organization.”
Earlier this year, Jones was featured on the NBA’s list of the75 greatest playersin league history in celebration of its 75th season.
source: people.com
