Bobby Jones

The defensive anchor who mastered the sixth man role to win a championship.

Robert Clyde Jones, born December 18, 1951, is an American former professional basketball player whose career spanned the ABA and NBA. Nicknamed 'the Secretary of Defense,' he played for the Denver Nuggets in the American Basketball Association (ABA) before moving to the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA. His journey began in Akron, Ohio, but his family settled in Charlotte, North Carolina, during his sixth grade. Jones is a four-time ABA All-Star (1973–1976) and an eight-time member of the NBA All-Defensive Team (four First Team, four Second Team selections). In 1983, he achieved dual honors by winning an NBA championship with the 76ers and being named the NBA Sixth Man of the Year. His contributions to the game were formally recognized in 2019 when he was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Quick Facts

Born: 18 December 1951
Birthplace: Akron, Ohio, U.S.
High school: South Mecklenburg (Charlotte, North Carolina)
College: North Carolina (1971–1974)
Draft round: 1
Draft pick: 5
Drafted by: Houston Rockets
Career number: 24

Lore & Background

Jones's path to basketball stardom began with a childhood spent as a 'couch potato' until his father, Robert Jones Sr., a World War II veteran, built a court and assigned drills. Despite being left-handed, Jones practiced shooting right-handed during commercials, eventually growing to enjoy the work. His father also made him play on the church's league team to foster socialization and self-esteem. While Jones attended South Mecklenburg High School, where he set a state high jump record of 6 feet, 8 inches as a senior, his athletic focus shifted from track to basketball under his father's guidance. He led South Mecklenburg to the 1970 NCHSAA 4A state title and earned MVP honors in that game. Although he preferred practicing track alone, he accepted a scholarship to the University of North Carolina, connecting with Coach Dean Smith. There, NCAA rules kept him from playing as a freshman, allowing him to refine his defensive skills before becoming an All-American who averaged 13.7 points and 8.9 rebounds in his senior year.

Reader's Guide

Jones's career transformed significantly when he joined the Philadelphia 76ers in 1978 via a trade involving George McGinnis and Ralph Simpson. The deal included a unique clause: if Jones became disabled due to epilepsy, the 76ers would receive a draft pick. Under Coach Billy Cunningham, Jones shifted from starter to sixth man, a role he accepted within half a minute despite fears of devastation. This move proved masterful; in his first season off the bench (1979–80), he averaged a team-high 14.4 points while playing about 25 minutes. The Sixers reached the Eastern Conference finals but lost to the Lakers. In the 1982–83 championship season, Jones embraced the sixth man role fully after the arrival of Moses Malone. He was named NBA Sixth Man of the Year and secured an NBA title with Philadelphia. His defensive prowess remained elite throughout, contributing to his nine All-Defensive Team selections and culminating in his Hall of Fame election in 2019.