Bobby Jones (basketball, born 1951)

Bobby Jones
Born	Robert Clyde Jones (1951-12-18) December 18, 1951 Akron, Ohio, U.S.
Occupation	Professional basketball player (retired)
Years active	1974–1986
Known for	Defensive skills in basketball, NBA champion (1983), 4× NBA All-Star, 9× NBA All-Defensive Team, NBA Sixth Man of the Year (1983), Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee (2019)

Robert Clyde "Bobby" Jones (born December 18, 1951) is a retired American professional basketball athlete celebrated for his defensive skills. Throughout his career, he played with the Denver Nuggets in the American Basketball Association (ABA) and later with the Philadelphia 76ers in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Known by the moniker "the Secretary of Defense", Jones achieved an NBA title with the 76ers in 1983, was selected as an NBA All-Star four times, earned nine NBA All-Defensive Team honors, and received the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award in 1983. His outstanding contributions were recognized with his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019.

Early life

Born in Akron, Ohio, Jones experienced frequent relocations during his youth. Eventually, his family settled in Charlotte, North Carolina when he reached sixth grade. Coming from a family deeply involved in sports, his father J.R., a veteran of World War II and a former nationally ranked tennis player, had also been part of the 1947 Oklahoma Sooners basketball squad. His mother Hazel demonstrated athletic talent in both basketball and tennis, while his elder brother Kirby achieved All-State status in basketball and claimed a state championship in tennis.

In his early years, Jones described himself as largely sedentary, often watching television and calling himself a "couch potato". Encouragement from his father led him to participate in church league basketball, and a hoop was installed at their home for practice. While employed at Goodyear, his father assigned him specific drills to perform during commercial breaks on TV, such as shooting with his right hand despite being naturally left-handed. Over time, Jones developed an appreciation for these exercises. During high school, basketball became an important social activity and helped boost his self-confidence.

High school career

Jones attended South Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte, where he competed in both basketball and track and field. His brother Kirby had also been a player there before advancing to the Oklahoma Sooners. Although Jones showed a preference for track and field—winning two state championships in the high jump, finishing second as a junior behind Bob McAdoo, and setting a state record by clearing 6 feet, 8 inches as a senior—his father encouraged him to focus on basketball.

In basketball, Jones was named Charlotte's Player of the Year during his junior season and guided South Mecklenburg to the state playoffs, where they were defeated by Greensboro Ben L. Smith, featuring Bob McAdoo. In his senior year, he led the team to capture the 1970 NCHSAA 4A state championship and earned MVP honors in the title game. Despite these achievements, Jones primarily viewed basketball as a pathway to obtain a college scholarship.

He attracted recruitment interest from the University of North Carolina, Duke University, and Florida. Although there was some family consideration for the Oklahoma program, it was ultimately dismissed due to its distance.

College career

Jones was coached by Dean Smith at UNC, where he established strong relationships with the coaching staff, including Bill Guthridge and John Lotz. Although NCAA regulations prevented him from competing as a freshman, he honed his defensive abilities under the guidance of Smith and Guthridge.

During his sophomore year, Jones achieved an ACC single-season record by shooting 66.8% from the field while averaging 10.2 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. His efforts contributed to UNC's advancement to the Final Four, where they were defeated by Florida State. After joining the U.S. national team, he began signaling to teammates following his shots—a move that Coach Smith later referred to as "The Bobby Jones Rule." In his junior season, Jones improved his averages to 15.5 points and 10.5 rebounds.

Following his junior year, the ABA's Carolina Cougars selected Jones in the 1973 Special Circumstances Draft. However, he opted to return for his senior year to complete a degree in psychology and further develop his skills; the Cougars retained his ABA rights during this period. He also served as co-captain in his final collegiate season.

In the 1973–74 campaign, Jones earned All-America recognition while averaging 16.1 points and 9.8 rebounds per game. Highlights included critical plays against Duke, such as a decisive game-winning layup and significant contributions on UNC's "Senior Day," where he scored 24 points. Concluding his college tenure, he posted career averages of 13.7 points and 8.9 rebounds with a shooting accuracy of 60.8%, graduating with a psychology degree.

1974–1976: ABA tenure

In the 1974 NBA draft, Jones was selected fifth overall by the Houston Rockets, while his ABA rights were held by the Cougars franchise, which had become the Spirits of St. Louis. Under Coach Larry Brown, who had transitioned to the Denver Nuggets, Denver acquired Jones’s ABA rights from St. Louis in exchange for Marvin Barnes. Prioritizing greater playing opportunities, Jones chose to sign with Denver.

With Brown at the helm and Jones on the roster, Denver achieved a franchise-best record of 65–19 in the 1974–75 season—improving by 28 wins over the previous year. Jones set an ABA record by shooting .604 from the field, averaged 14.8 points per contest, and earned a place on the ABA All-Rookie Team. The Nuggets’ playoff run ended with a loss to the Indiana Pacers in the Western Division finals.

In what would be the ABA’s final season (1975–76), Jones averaged 15 points, nine rebounds, four assists, two steals, and two blocks per game while once again leading the league in field-goal percentage. He delivered a standout performance in the 1976 ABA All-Star Game, recording 24 points and 10 rebounds, and was named to the All-ABA Second Team. Featuring stars such as David Thompson and Dan Issel, Denver finished with the league’s best record at 60–24 but fell short against the New York Nets in the Finals.

1976–1978: NBA transition

Following the ABA–NBA merger in 1976, Jones continued with Denver as they joined the NBA ranks. In the 1976–77 season, Denver secured the Midwest Division title. Jones posted career-high averages of 15.1 points and 8.3 rebounds per game while shooting .570 from the field, earning his first start in the 1977 NBA All-Star Game alongside Thompson and Issel. He led all NBA players in defensive rating that season and received his first of eight consecutive selections to the NBA All-Defensive First Team. The Nuggets’ playoff journey concluded with a semifinal defeat at the hands of eventual champions, the Portland Trail Blazers.

During the next season, Jones averaged 14.5 points per game and led the league with a .578 field-goal percentage, returning as an All-Star for the 1978 NBA All-Star Game. Denver repeated as division champions but lost in six games to the Seattle SuperSonics in the Western Conference finals. His playoff performance was hindered by phenobarbital treatment for epilepsy, which had worsened throughout that year.

Due to concerns regarding his health constraints, Nuggets management decided to trade Jones after this season concluded. Over his tenure with Denver, he averaged 14.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.9 blocks, and 2.0 steals per game—ranking seventh all-time in franchise steals and fourth in blocks upon departure.

1978–1979: Inaugural season

Following the conclusion of the 1977–78 campaign, Jones was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers along with Ralph Simpson in exchange for forward George McGinnis, with both players waiving their no-trade provisions. The deal included a stipulation that the 76ers would receive a draft pick if Jones became incapacitated due to epilepsy. Upon joining Philadelphia, he played under head coach Billy Cunningham, a fellow alumnus of UNC. On March 7, 1979, Jones achieved a personal best by scoring 33 points. That year, the Sixers secured 47 victories; Jones contributed averages of 12.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game, while leading the league in field goal percentage and earning a spot on the First-Team All-Defense.

1979–1982: Role as key reserve

Moving from a starting role with the Nuggets to a bench position in Philadelphia, Jones embraced coach Cunningham’s strategy to utilize him as the sixth man behind stars Julius Erving, Darryl Dawkins, and Caldwell Jones. During the 1979–80 season, he played roughly 25 minutes per game and posted a career-high scoring average of 14.4 points coming off the bench. The Sixers captured the Eastern Conference title but were defeated by the Los Angeles Lakers in six games during the NBA Finals.

In 1981, Jones was selected as an NBA All-Star by coaches’ vote; that season concluded with a close defeat to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference finals. The following year, he started in 73 games and earned another All-Star nod. Philadelphia avenged their prior loss against Boston in the conference finals but again fell to the Lakers in six games.

1982–1983: Championship triumph

The addition of elite center Moses Malone ahead of the 1982–83 season dramatically elevated the Sixers’ championship potential. The team embarked on a 14-game winning streak and finished with an impressive total of 65 victories. Malone ranked third in defensive box plus-minus across the league.

During the postseason, Philadelphia swept the New York Knicks in tightly contested matchups. A defining moment occurred in the conference finals versus Milwaukee when Bobby Jones intercepted an inbound pass, setting up Clint Richardson’s game-winning dunk that clinched a 111–109 overtime victory. Jones also made a critical block in Game 2 that helped secure the series win. After dropping Game 4, the Sixers swept their remaining playoff opponents and ultimately swept the Lakers in the NBA Finals to claim the title. Jones was honored with the first-ever NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award and averaged 1.7 steals along with 1.9 blocks from the Eastern Conference finals through to the championship series.

1983–1986: Closing years

In the seasons following their championship victory, Philadelphia’s performance declined slightly, finishing behind Boston for three straight years. Despite diminished minutes, Jones continued to provide strong defensive contributions and maintained high efficiency. During the 1985–86 campaign, he posted a .559 shooting percentage but averaged just 6.6 points after returning to a starting role. That season ended with a playoff exit at the hands of Milwaukee. Retiring at age 34, Jones had his No. 24 jersey retired by the franchise on November 7, 1986.

Throughout his twelve-year professional tenure, Jones was recognized multiple times on NBA All-Defensive First Teams, earned distinction as the inaugural NBA Sixth Man Award winner, was named to the ABA All-Rookie Team, participated in four NBA All-Star Games and one ABA All-Star Game, and secured an NBA Championship with Philadelphia in 1983. He posted career averages of 12.1 points and 6.1 rebounds per contest, while never missing postseason play with his teams.

National team career

Initially, in 1972, Jones was not invited to participate in the U.S. Olympic Team tryouts and instead attended summer school. Upon learning that some athletes were refusing invitations as a form of protest, Dean Smith reached out to Jones, verified his condition following a recent seizure, and extended an invitation to try out. Jones accepted, withdrew from summer school, and secured a spot on the team, starting in all but one game due to a finger injury. He appeared for five minutes during the gold medal match in which the Soviet Union controversially defeated the U.S.

Player profile

Jones was recognized for his defensive versatility, frequently tasked with guarding the opposing team’s top small forward despite officially being listed as a power forward. During his college years, he effectively defended both guards and larger players. His athletic prowess contributed significantly to his ability to deny passes and secure rebounds. Striving for excellence, he set a personal goal of achieving at least 100 blocks and 100 steals per season, accomplishing this milestone six times. Among NBA and ABA players, he is one of only seven to surpass 1,300 blocks and steals combined, averaging 1.5 steals and 1.4 blocks per game. He ranked among the top 20 in defensive rating on six occasions and earned All-Defensive Team honors in both leagues almost every season except his last. Jones credited his defensive skills development largely to his time at North Carolina.

Primarily known for his defensive contributions rather than scoring, Jones averaged 12.1 points per game with just four instances of scoring 30 or more points. Although not a three-point shooter—going 0-for-17 from beyond the arc over his career—he was dependable from mid-range areas around the elbow and thrived in fast-break situations at 6'9". His ability to finish with either hand combined with intelligent shot selection resulted in a career field goal percentage of 56%, while the ABA record stands at 59.2%; he never posted below 52% in any season. Additionally, he maintained a low turnover rate throughout his career.

Despite possessing skills worthy of a starting role, Jones frequently came off the bench to scout opponents and conserve energy—a strategy aligned with managing his epilepsy treatment regimen. Only during his initial three seasons did he average more than 30 minutes per game; while with the Philadelphia 76ers, his average playing time was approximately 25 minutes.

Jones earned acclaim for his unselfishness and relentless effort on the court. Julius Erving described him as "completely selfless," emphasizing both his athleticism and mental approach to the game. Opposing players regarded him as "one of the most challenging competitors." Across both ABA and NBA careers, he contributed to a total of 595 victories—nearly double the number of losses.

Known for his honesty when interacting with referees, Jones admitted mistakes even when it did not advantage his team. Coach Larry Brown compared watching Jones to "an honest man in a liars’ poker game," highlighting his integrity. This reputation garnered respect from officials, often leading to favorable calls during games. Referee Joey Crawford referred to him as "the most courteous player" he had ever officiated. In his Hall of Fame induction speech, Jones acknowledged referees for their important role.

Remarkably, throughout his entire career, Jones never received a technical foul. While he played aggressively when necessary, he never engaged in intentional dirty play.

Beyond the Court

In 1988, Billy Cunningham, instrumental in the founding of the Miami Heat, attempted to bring Jones on board. After thorough consideration, Jones opted not to re-enter the league. Similarly, the Charlotte Hornets proposed a general manager position to him, which he declined.

Endorsement Deals

Throughout his professional journey, Jones maintained an endorsement relationship with Nike. Notably, in 1982, he was among the earliest athletes to sport Nike's Air Force 1 sneakers. Nike's advertising campaign prominently featured him, bestowing upon him the nickname "The Secretary of Defense."

Life After Basketball

Upon retiring, Jones engaged in public speaking engagements at churches and educational institutions both domestically and abroad. He continues his association with the 76ers organization and regularly addresses the team.

In 2003, alongside Bart Kofoed and former teammate David Thompson, Jones co-established 2xsalt, a Charlotte-based faith-driven nonprofit dedicated to aiding disadvantaged youth through sports programs.

Jones also contributed as a basketball coach for several schools in the Charlotte region, including a 12-year period at Charlotte Christian School, where he secured three state championships. Subsequently, he took on the role of assistant coach at Carmel Christian School, additionally coaching tennis and managing summer camp activities. His coaching career also extended to Myers Park High School and the South Charlotte Thunder team.

Private Life

Jones is married and has three children along with seven grandchildren. The family resides in Greensboro, North Carolina. One of his sons, Eric, participated on UNC’s junior varsity basketball squad.

He has faced episodes of epileptic seizures that necessitate medical treatment. His initial seizure occurred during his sophomore year at UNC and was initially misdiagnosed. Between 1976 and 1978, he experienced multiple seizures, including a critical one that nearly ended his playing career. After his trade to Philadelphia, Jones publicly disclosed his condition to combat epilepsy stigma and was honored with Philadelphia's Most Courageous Athlete Award in 1984, which he dedicated to his wife Tess. Additionally, he suffered from a heart condition that resolved following his move to Philadelphia.

A committed Christian since college—having grown up attending a Baptist church—Jones attributes much of his athletic success to his faith, striving to perform at his best in every endeavor. When recognized as the NBA’s "most consistent and productive player" in 1977 by a Seagram Distillers-sponsored computer ranking, he donated the $10,000 award to religious organizations. Pat Williams, then serving as Sixers GM, credited Jones for helping initiate pregame chapel services now common among NBA teams. Throughout his health struggles, Jones credits his resilience to his faith and remains actively involved with Christian ministries such as the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Athletes in Action. Prominent NBA figures like Cody Zeller have acknowledged Jones as a spiritual guide, while Charles Barkley has expressed high regard for his character.

Enduring Impact

The Sixers retired jersey number 24 in honor of Jones in 1986. During his time with the team, his jersey displayed "B. JONES" above number 24—a nod to distinguish him from former teammates Caldwell Jones and Charles Jones—even after their departures. However, during the 2008 season commemorating the 25th anniversary of the 1983 championship team, he was presented with a framed replica jersey featuring only his surname since he was the sole "Jones" on that roster. In 2018, a statue capturing him diving for a loose ball was unveiled at the Sixers' training facility.

Jones was inducted into North Carolina's Sports Hall of Fame in May 1989, followed by enshrinement in the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame in 2010 and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Hall of Fame in 2015. On April 6, 2019, he was selected for induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and formally inducted on September 6 that year with introductions by Julius Erving and Charles Barkley. In 2021, he became part of South Mecklenburg's inaugural Hall of Fame class.

On January 28, 2020, Joel Embiid received Jones’ blessing to wear the retired No. 24 jersey for the Sixers as a tribute to Kobe Bryant.

In recognition of exemplary character both on and off the court among NBA players, Athletes in Action inaugurated the Bobby Jones Award in 2008.

See also

• List of NBA career field goal percentage leaders
• Basketball at the 1972 Summer Olympics

External links

Year	Team	GP	GS	MPG	FG%	3P%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG
1974–75	Denver (ABA)	84*	—	32.2	.604*	.000	.695	8.2	3.6	2.0	1.8	14.8
1975–76	Denver (ABA)	83	—	34.3	.581*	—	.698	9.5	4.0	2.0	2.2	14.9
1976–77	Denver (NBA)	82	82	29.5	.570	—	.717	8.3	3.2	2.3	2.0	15.1
1977–78	Denver (NBA)	75	—	32.5	.578*	—	.751	8.5	3.4	1.8	1.7	14.5