 Jones |
Popeye Jones has quickly become a fan favorite in Washington D.C. since
being acquired from Denver before the start of the 2000 season. His hustle
and drive night in and night out has helped the Wizards make a dramatic
turnaround from last season.
Filling in for the injured Christian Laettner, Jones has started 19 of the
40 games he has played in this season, averaging 6.7 points and 7.8 rebounds
per contest. He has led the Wizards in rebounds 16 times this season while
notching seven double-doubles. Jones scored a season high 16 points against
the Los Angeles Clippers, while grabbing a season high 14 rebounds in three
games this season.
Away from the court, Jones loves watching NASCAR and enjoys playing golf and
chess.
If you missed the chat you can read below what popeye had to say!
Tom, Stamford, CT: Hey Popey!
I'm really glad Wizards aquaried you to the team . YOU REALLY HELPING THEM. My question is how you feel and is it good or bad reaction or thoughts playing with the best player ever, Michael Jordan?
Popeye Jones: Definitely a good reaction. Everything he's done has been positive. He sets such a good example for the rest of the team. He is a proven winner.
Wichita Falls, Texas: Popeye, with the playoffs looking like a reality and Jordan on your team, is it just satisfactory to get there and make an early exit, or do you forsee the team making a move to acquire another high caliber player before the trading deadline to make a run in the playoffs?
Popeye Jones: I really don't know if they plan on getting anyone else. I think we have the people to make sure we get a good playoff position. We want to make a run in the playoffs, so we just have to get there.
Milos(Novi Sad): Hey Popeye,I thought I'd ask another question:who were your favorite players when you were a kid????
Popeye Jones: Dr. J was a favorite of mine. Magic Johnson and Moses Malone were two other players I really liked.
Vancouver,B.C.: Hi my name is Bobby I wonder if you could tell me some tips in BASKETBALL i am a fan of your's THANKS BYE JONES!!!!
Popeye Jones: Just learn the fundamentals of the game first. A lot of players rely on their athleticism, and could have better fundamentals. Learn how to play with both hands.
san ramon: was it pre determined that you would pass to jordan on the final pass with 1.6 seconds left in the last gane against cleveland.
Popeye Jones: Yes it was. Coach has confidence in my ability to pass well, and we drew up a play. Michael got open and I made sure I got him the ball.
Reggie/Stafford, Va: What's going on with Kwame Brown? Is the young man lacking the knowledge of the NBA game? He has alot talent I just hope in due time it will help the Wizards down the road.
Popeye Jones: I think down the road he will help the Wizards. Coming out of high school, he has a lot to learn. He is working hard and you can see the progress.
Matthew (Chapel Hill): what went wrong on that
Mavericks team with Mashburn, Jackson, and Kidd?
Popeye Jones: I think we were all just young and didn't have any veteran leadership. When Derek Harper went to New York, we missed his leadership. You need veterans to help the team.
Bryan (Omaha): How tough is it for you to be filling in for Laettner since he's been injured for a while?
Popeye Jones: It's not tough. I am in good shape and I love to play. I understand Chris is the starter, and when he's healthy I will back him up. But I enjoy the opportunity to play.
L Cee (Washington): Popeye, on tipped rebounds you really move your feet quickly to stay under the ball for 2nd and 3rd tries. Is this a rebounding skill you were taught or does it just come naturally for you?
Popeye Jones: I think a lot of it comes naturally. I am trying to teach the younger players to do that. You just have to get a sense when the ball will come off the rim.
Perth, Western Australia: What has been the most suprising element of Michael Jordan to you personaly?
Popeye Jones: His competiveness. You get to see day in and day out how competitive he really is.
Bethesda, Maryland: Who do you think is the most underated player on the Wizards?
Popeye Jones: Tyronne Lue. Nobody really saw much of him in LA, but he brings an element to our team with his speed. He's a good outstide shooter too.
Ron (Toronto): Popeye
You are obviously a very cerebral player. Do you enjoy running the triangle?
Popeye Jones: I definitely do. I learned it in Dallas under Quinn Buckner. I have learned it more this year. I am picking up on the nuances.
Francisco Javier F.G.(Spain): Hi Popeye.I am from Spain.Do you think there are some players who needs to eat a lot of spinach if they want to be great players(Gasol ,for example)or do you think you can be an NBA star being thin and weak?
Popeye Jones: You can't be an NBA starter being small and weak, but there are players who are thin but strong because they work out.
Popeye Jones: Thanks for supporting us and keep supporting us. We think we can do well in the East. We will keep fighting and doing what it takes to get a good playoff position. Thanks.
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