Move To Boston Is A Return To Winning For Jones
Jones athleticism should be a great addition.
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"I'm just glad to be here with a playoff contending team," said Jones. "Coming from Cleveland, missing out on the playoffs for two years, and everybody knows me being in Philly in the playoffs. I'm just happy to be here with Paul (Pierce) and 'Toine (Antoine Walker) to get an opportunity to help those guys out, like I did in Philly."
The 6-8 forward should add great depth to the Celtics frontline. Jones is athletic and versatile and should be able to contribute from both the small forward and power forward positions. But best of all the Celtics acquire a young player who also understands that winning comes first and has tasted what the NBA finals are all about.
"I'm just going to go out and play hard defense, hit open shots, whatever the team needs," commented Jones. "All the championships here, all the great players that have been through here, it's really great to be a part of."
Jones, who didn't start playing basketball until 8th grade when he realized he was bigger than all the other kids, should be a good fit for the Celtics and their fans. At just 24 years of age, he has improved each of his four seasons in the league.
After receiving limited playing time his rookie year with Philadelphia, Jones made a name for himself in his second season. He averaged just 4.7 points per game, but due to injuries he was thrown into the
Jones stopped by the Celtics offices to take in some history.
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After the 2000-01 season Jones was shipped to Cleveland, along with Tyrone Hill. In Cleveland Jones has been steadily improving on a team that has seen many changes. In his two years with Cleveland Jones has played increasing minutes and raised his scoring average each year. In 2002-03 he led Cleveland's bench with an average of 9.8 points per game.
This constant improvement is what has Celtics Executive Director of Basketball Operation, Danny Ainge excited about adding Jones to the roster. "Jones is a great competitor and an excellent athlete," commented Ainge. "He has a tremendous upside and I look forward to seeing him reach his full potential in a Boston Celtics uniform."
Both parties seem to be very excited about the deal. The Celtics get a young and improving player, who is ready to contribute and Jumaine Jones gets to return to the spotlight and a contending basketball team. It looks like a good fit for everybody.
"It's a playoff team, they have veteran guys here and I'm just going go out and play the game of basketball with guys that have been around," said Jones. "We have a good coach here, a good organization. I definitely think it will be a good fit for me. In my opinion I really felt this would be the best place for me."
