Jimmy Jones (basketball)
James Jones is an American former professional basketball player who was a six-time [ABA ABA All-Star Game|All-Star Game|All-Star] in the American Basketball Association, one of only four players to be named an ABA All-Star six times in its nine-year history.
A 6'4" guard born in Tallulah, Louisiana, Jones attended Grambling State University.
Playing career
Jones was drafted by the National Basketball Association's Baltimore Bullets in 1967. Jones was also drafted by the New Orleans Buccaneers in the 1967 ABA Draft. He signed for a three-year contract of $75,000 and a new car.Since he was not a number one draft choice in the NBA, he began his professional career in the rival ABA where he was a number one draft choice, playing seven seasons for the New Orleans Buccaneers/Memphis Pros and Utah Stars. Jones was one of the ABA's best players, averaging 19.2 points, 5.1 assists, and 4.9 rebounds during his seven years in that league. As late as 1974, Jones was thought to be among if not the best guard in the league; Jones believed he was not among the best defensive players at his position but felt his size was comparable.
Desiring a pay raise but playing for a team that was strapped for cash, Jones finally joined the Bullets franchise in 1974, appearing in three seasons before retiring in 1977.