Underrated.
Most modern NBA fans have no idea who he is. He has 10 rings. They probably think he was just some role player as part of the Russell Celtics dynasty and discredit all those rings.
Truth is, Sam Jones is actually the reason for a lot of Russell’s rings. Yes sure Russell was the most impactful player on the team defensively and from a leadership standpoint. But why Sam Jones deserves more recognition is how much of an unsung hero he was in some of those close series.
1962 Finals Game 6 – Lakers is up 3–2 so Celtics on the verge of elimination – Sam Jones scores 35 to keep the Celtics alive (which they would win by only 3).
1963 ECF Game 7 – a do or die game vs Oscar Robertson’s Royals – Sam Jones scores 47 to close out the series and help the Celtics reach yet another Finals
1965 ECF Game 7 – a do or die game vs Wilt’s 76ers – Sam Jones scores 37 to close out the series to help the Celtics reach another Finals
1966 Finals Game 3 – series is tied 1–1 – Sam Jones scores 36 to help tip the series 2–1 in favor of the Celtics (which they would win in 7)
1967 ECF Game 4 – 76ers is up 3–0 and Celtics is about to be eliminated – Sam Jones scores 32 to prevent the Celtics from being swept
1968 ECF Game 5 – Down 3–1 to Wilt’s 76ers and Celtics about to be eliminated – Sam Jones scores 37 to keep the Celtics alive (Celtics would end up prevailing in 7)
So you see how crucial Sam Jones was to the team he always stepped it up in big moments, was super clutch and it’s a travesty that only old heads remember how important he was. He actually has probably as many or more clutch moments as Kobe or Bird in the playoffs, and yet nobody ever mentions him in most clutch player discussions, it’s crazy.
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