The Boston Celtics announced the sad news that 12-time NBA champion and Hall of Famer K.C. Jones had passed away on Friday. He was 88 years old.
Jones made his debut for the Celtics in November of 1958 and went on to appear in 676 games as the team's point guard, winning eight rings during his playing days and finishing with career averages of 7.4 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game. A successful college and international player, as well, Jones is part of the exclusive "Triple Crown" club in basketball — along with Bill Russell, Clyde Lovellette, Jerry Lucas, Quinn Buckner, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan and Anthony Davis — with an NCAA Championship, an NBA ring and an Olympic gold medal.
In addition to his eight rings as a player, Jones was the head coach for the 1984 and 1986 NBA Champion Celtics, and an assistant during their 1981 Championship campaign. His first stint as an NBA assistant coach resulted in a ring, as well, with the 1972 Los Angeles Lakers.
Jones is enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the College Basketball Hall of Fame and has his No. 25 jersey retired by the Celtics.
Longtime teammate and friend Bill Russell was one of many who mourned the loss of Jones.
The Celtics also released a lengthy statement on his passing, noting his character in addition to his greatness as a player and coach.
K.C. also demonstrated that one could be both a fierce competitor and a gentleman in every sense of the word. He made his teammates better, and he got the most out of the players he coached. Never one to seek credit, his glory was found in the most fundamental of basketball ideals – being part of a winning team.
LISTEN NOW on the RADIO.COM App
Follow RADIO.COM Sports
Twitter | Facebook I Instagram