Boston Celtics
legend
Sam Jones, a Hall of Fame member and 10-time
NBA
champion, has died at age 88.
Only longtime Celtics teammate
Bill Russell
, with 11, earned more NBA rings as a player than Jones, a five-time All-Star and a member of the NBA's 25th, 50th and 75th anniversary teams.
Jones passed away Thursday night of natural causes, according to a team spokesperson.
The Celtics held a moment of silence in his honor before Friday's game against the Phoenix Suns at TD Garden, where Jones' No. 24 jersey hangs in the rafters.
"Sam Jones was one of the most talented, versatile, and clutch shooters for the most successful and dominant teams in NBA history," read a team statement issued by the Celtics. "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."
NBA commissioner
Adam Silver
also released a statement.
"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. ... Sam was a beloved teammate and respected competitor who played the game with dignity and class. We mourn the passing of a
basketball
giant and send our deepest condolences to Sam's family and the Celtics organization."
A 6-foot-4 guard from Wilmington, N.C., Jones was drafted by Boston in the first round (eighth overall) in 1957 out of North Carolina Central.
He helped the Celtics win a record eight straight titles from 1959-66 and additional championships in 1968 and 1969. Jones averaged 17.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 871 regular season games from 1957-69. He also averaged 18.9 points in 27 playoff series, of which the Celtics won 25.
Jones was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1984. The Celtics retired his number in 1969.
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