Bobby Jones
A versatile forward who won an NBA championship with the 76ers in 1983 after transitioning to a sixth man role.
Bobby Jones played for the Philadelphia 76ers from 1978 to 1986, joining a team coached by Billy Cunningham alongside Julius Erving and Darryl Dawkins. After starting his first season, he transitioned to a sixth man role in 1979–80, where he averaged 14.4 points—his highest scoring average with the Sixers. He helped lead the team to the Eastern Conference championship in 1980 and the NBA Finals in 1982 before winning an NBA championship in 1983. During that title run, Jones made a critical steal against Alton Lister in overtime of Game 1 of the conference finals and recorded a crucial block on Brian Winters in Game 2.
- Position
- Forward
- Affiliation
- Philadelphia 76ers
- Era
- Late 1970s - Early 1980s
- Role
- Sixth Man
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Jones earned the nickname 'the Secretary of Defense' for his relentless defensive play, becoming a nine-time member of the NBA All-Defensive Team. In 1982–83, he was named the NBA Sixth Man of the Year, a rare honor that highlighted his impact coming off the bench. The trade to Philadelphia involved forward George McGinnis and came with a unique clause: if Jones were disabled due to epilepsy, the 76ers would receive a draft pick. Despite health concerns, Jones thrived in this new role under Cunningham, who initially worried the change would devastate him. Instead, Jones agreed within half a minute, embracing the strategy that utilized his skills alongside Erving and Dawkins. His ability to adapt and excel without starting every game defined his tenure, culminating in an NBA championship in 1983.
In Their Own Story
The 1982–83 season marked a turning point for Jones and the Sixers. The arrival of Moses Malone from Houston, acquired for Caldwell Jones, was seen as the final piece for a title run. Jones, now fully embracing his sixth-man role, averaged about 25 minutes per game while contributing essential defense and scoring. Though the source does not detail specific plays like steals or blocks in this section, it confirms his pivotal role in the championship season. His career-high of 33 points came earlier on March 7, 1979, during his first year with Philadelphia, showcasing his offensive capability even as a starter. Throughout his time in Philly, Jones remained a steady force, balancing scoring, rebounding, and elite defense while navigating the challenges of his epilepsy.
Reader's Guide
Bobby Jones joined the Philadelphia 76ers after being traded from the Denver Nuggets alongside Ralph Simpson for George McGinnis in 1978. Initially a starter, he shifted to a sixth-man role starting in the 1979–80 season, averaging 14.4 points that year—his highest scoring average with the team. He was an NBA All-Star four times during his career and made eight straight selections to the NBA All-Defensive First Team beginning in 1976. In 1983, he won both the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award and an NBA championship with the 76ers. His legacy includes being elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019.
Did You Know?
- Jones was nicknamed 'the Secretary of Defense' for his elite defensive play.
- He won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award in 1983, the same year he captured an NBA championship.
- His trade to Philadelphia included a clause that if he became disabled due to epilepsy, the team would receive a draft pick.
- Jones set a state high school record in the high jump at 6 feet, 8 inches as a senior.
- He was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019.
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