For those who know NBA greatness – and Boston Celtics greatness – you know that Sam Jones was a player who did some tremendous things on the basketball court. His 10 NBA Championship rings cement his status as an all-time winner, and his relationship with the great Bill Russell is legendary. Russell was the defensive genius that powered the Celtics to 11 titles in 13 seasons, but Russell wasn’t known for his offensive prowess. And while defense does indeed win championships, you still need to score the basketball and Jones was as good a scorer as the league produced during the 1960s.
SCP Auctions has been chosen by Jones as he auctions some of the memorabilia collected during his storied career. Other items from basketball greats Oscar Robertson and David Thompson are also available. The bidding, which opened on November 14 and runs through December 1, includes the following items:
- A 1960 Olympic game-worn jersey from Oscar Robertson’s USA gold-medal winning team.
- Robertson’s 1963-64 NBA MVP trophy.
- Robertson’s “50 Greatest Players” ring, presented as part of the 1997 All-Star celebration.
- David Thompson’s 1974 NCAA championship ring from North Carolina State’s victory over Marquette.
- A Crest High (Shelby, NC) jersey, worn in a game by Thompson.
- A 1976 game-used ABA All-Star ball signed by Thompson and other ABA stars.
- Jones’ 1983 Hall of Fame induction ring, as well as his “50 Greatest” ring.
- Jones’ 1959 and 1969 NBA championship rings, won during his 10-title career with the Boston Celtics.
- A 1966 Celtics championship wristwatch.
All items are from Sam Jones’ personal collections and are accompanied by signed letters of authenticity. SCP Auctions, with David Kohler as president, also ran point on Bob Cousy’s auction and is considered the preeminent sports auction house worldwide. So if you’re a Celtics fan or an NBA historian, now is your chance to bid on some outstanding pieces and know that what you’re getting has been certified authentic.
The Sam Jones Collection can be previewed by visiting the SCP Auctions website at: http://www.scpauctions.com/
That’s sad that he’s selling his rings. I hope someone buys them, and then donates them back to him. I hope he’s not hard up for cash