History of Sam Jones (basketball, born 1933) in Timeline
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.
June 24, 1933: Sam Jones Born
On June 24, 1933, Samuel Jones was born. He later became a professional basketball player renowned for playing shooting guard for the Boston Celtics in the NBA.
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.
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.
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.
1959: Celtics' Championship Run Begins
In 1959, Sam Jones began his run with the Boston Celtics as part of their eight consecutive championships.
1959: First NBA Championship
In 1959, Sam Jones played on his first championship team.
1962: First All-Star Appearance
In 1962, Sam Jones earned his first NBA All-Star appearance.
1962: NAIA Basketball Hall of Fame Induction
In 1962, Sam Jones was inducted into the NAIA Basketball Hall of Fame.
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.
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.
1965: All-NBA Second Team Selection
In 1965, Sam Jones was named to the All-NBA Second Team, part of a three-year streak.
1966: End of Celtics' Championship Streak
In 1966, Sam Jones completed his run with the Boston Celtics as part of their eight consecutive championships.
1966: 1966 NBA Finals Game 7
In the 1966 NBA Finals, Sam Jones recorded 22 points and 5 rebounds in Game 7, contributing to the Celtics' eighth straight NBA Finals win.
1968: Sam Jones's Scoring Streak
In 1968, Sam Jones concluded four consecutive seasons averaging 20 points or better.
1968: NBA Championship
In 1968, Sam Jones played on another championship team, totaling 10 NBA Championships in his career.
1969: Retirement from the NBA
In 1969, Sam Jones retired from the NBA after twelve seasons with the Celtics.
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).
1971: NBA 25th Anniversary Team
In 1971, Sam Jones was named to the NBA 25th Anniversary Team.
1973: Coached at North Carolina Central University
In 1973, Sam Jones coached at North Carolina Central University, his alma mater.
1974: Assistant Coach for New Orleans Jazz
In 1974, Sam Jones became an assistant coach for the New Orleans Jazz.
1984: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Induction
In 1984, Sam Jones was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
1996: NBA 50th Anniversary Team
In 1996, Sam Jones was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History.
2018: Death of Gladys Chavis
In 2018, Gladys Chavis, Sam Jones's wife, passed away.
2019: American Basketball Hall of Fame Induction
In 2019, Sam Jones was part of the inaugural class inducted into the American Basketball Hall of Fame.
December 30, 2021: Sam Jones's Death
On December 30, 2021, Sam Jones, the American professional basketball player, passed away.
2021: Jones's Playoff Record
As of the 2021 postseason, Sam Jones' record stood at 2,909 points in 154 playoff games, ranking 92nd best in NBA history.
2021: NBA 75th Anniversary Team
In 2021, Sam Jones was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.
2021: Sam Jones's Career
In 2021, Sam Jones was remembered for his twelve seasons in the NBA, scoring 15,411 points, 2,209 assists and 4,305 rebounds. At the time of his death, he owned Boston's sixth-best single-game scoring output (51 points vs. Detroit Pistons on October 29, 1965).
2022: Celtics Honor Jones
In the 2021-2022 NBA season, the Boston Celtics wore a black band with the number 24 on their jersey, to honor Sam Jones who died that year.
