Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Sam Jones (basketball, born 1933)

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By Popular Timelines Editorial Team  · Updated:
Sam Jones (basketball, born 1933)

How Sam Jones (basketball, born 1933) built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Sam Jones (1933-2021) was a celebrated American professional basketball player, renowned as a shooting guard for the Boston Celtics. A five-time NBA All-Star, Jones earned the nicknames "Mr. Clutch" and "the Shooter" for his exceptional quickness and ability to make game-winning shots, particularly in the playoffs. He won 10 NBA championships, the second-most of any player, trailing only his teammate Bill Russell. Jones was also one of three Celtics players to participate in all eight of the team's consecutive championships from 1959-1966. He is an inductee of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

1956: Drafted by Minneapolis Lakers

In 1956, Sam Jones was drafted by the Minneapolis Lakers as the eighth pick in the NBA draft, but he returned to college to earn his degree.

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October 22, 1957: NBA Debut

On October 22, 1957, Sam Jones made his NBA debut, recording one rebound in three minutes against the St. Louis Hawks.

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1957: Selected by Boston Celtics

In 1957, Sam Jones was selected by the Boston Celtics in the NBA draft, despite coach Red Auerbach never having seen him play.

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1959: First NBA Championship

In 1959, Sam Jones played on his first championship team.

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1962: First All-Star Appearance

In 1962, Sam Jones earned his first NBA All-Star appearance.

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October 29, 1965: 51 Points vs. Detroit Pistons

On October 29, 1965, Sam Jones scored 51 points against the Detroit Pistons, marking Boston's sixth-best single-game scoring output at the time of his death.

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1965: Led Boston in Scoring

In 1965, Sam Jones led Boston in scoring, marking the beginning of four consecutive seasons averaging 20 points or better.

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1968: Sam Jones's Scoring Streak

In 1968, Sam Jones concluded four consecutive seasons averaging 20 points or better.

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1968: NBA Championship

In 1968, Sam Jones played on another championship team, totaling 10 NBA Championships in his career.

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1969: Retirement from the NBA

In 1969, Sam Jones retired from the NBA after twelve seasons with the Celtics.

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1969: Coaching Career Begins

In 1969, Sam Jones started his coaching career at Federal City College (now known as University of the District of Columbia).

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1973: Coached at North Carolina Central University

In 1973, Sam Jones coached at North Carolina Central University, his alma mater.

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1974: Assistant Coach for New Orleans Jazz

In 1974, Sam Jones became an assistant coach for the New Orleans Jazz.

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