The KC Jones Interview
By:
Michael D. McClellan
|
Sunday, August 4th, 2002
Exactly.
You weren’t a screamer – you succeeded by treating a
veteran team like, well, a veteran team. I always
admired that quality in you, and Larry had that same
gift.
Thank you for saying that. The critics
claimed that anyone could have won with Larry, Kevin and
Robert on the roster. I’ve read the articles
where I could have supposedly rolled the ball on the
court and the team would have won anyway, but those same
people don’t know what goes into preparing a team to
play at that level.
In Indiana, Larry inherited a veteran club and he had just the
right touch. I was happy to see him succeed.
Let’s fast-forward to
the current Celtics. What did you think of this
season’s playoff run?
Jim O’Brien has really excelled. He stepped into
a situation that wasn’t so positive and immediately
earned the player’s respect. To a man they have
responded to Jim. The playoffs were great for the
team. They made the trade for Delk and Rogers and
it paid off.
Paul Pierce is maturing
rapidly.
Paul is one of the most dangerous players in the league
when he has the ball in his hands. The only way
you stop him is to keep him from getting the ball.
He’s big at 6’-7”, and he can hit anything.
He’s going to get his shot off or he’s going to go
to the foul line.
What do you think about
the trade for Vin Baker, and where do you see the
Celtics finishing this season?
I really haven’t thought about the Baker trade that
much, but on the surface it looks to be a great move.
Here is a player who had All-Star years early in his
career. Whatever happened in Seattle seems to be
in the past. He looks focused. He’s a big man
with great skills, and the move to Boston just might
regenerate his career.
Okay,
we’re winding down. If winning is the bottom
line, it’s hard to find anyone with your credentials:
Two college championships, an Olympic gold medal, eight
NBA rings as a player and four more as a coach. Do
you ever take time to reflect on what you’ve
accomplished in your life?
Yes, frequently. I feel very lucky to be
where I am and to have lived this life. When I
look back at how I got here – from growing up on the
move, to the time I spent learning sports at the rec
center in San Francisco, to how I got into college – I
feel very fortunate to have accomplished so much.
[Pauses]. Who knows what things would have been
like if had accepted Mikan’s offer to play in
Minneapolis. I turned down $5,000 to play for the
Lakers. I’m very happy with the way things
turned out.
