Jones was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the 1994 NBA draft, and he played for the Lakers for five seasons. During his time with the Lakers, Jones established himself as one of the league's top shooting guards, earning All-Star honors in 1997 and 1998. He was known for his defensive prowess, as well as his ability to score from beyond the arc.
In 1999, Jones was traded to the Charlotte Hornets, where he played for three seasons. He continued to be a dominant force on both ends of the court, earning All-Defensive Team honors in 2000 and 2001. In 2000, he also led the league in steals per game.
After his stint with the Hornets, Jones played for the Miami Heat, where he played for four seasons. He continued to be a key player for the Heat, helping them reach the playoffs in each of his four seasons with the team. In 2005, he was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, where he played for one season before being traded back to the Heat.
Jones retired from the NBA in 2008, finishing his career with averages of 14.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. He was known for his versatility, as well as his ability to play both shooting guard and small forward positions.
In addition to his NBA career, Jones also played for the United States men's national basketball team, winning a gold medal at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia.
After retiring from basketball, Jones became a coach, serving as an assistant coach for the Memphis Grizzlies and the Brooklyn Nets. He also served as the head coach for the Florida Atlantic University men's basketball team from 2014 to 2018.
Overall, Eddie Jones had a successful basketball career, earning numerous accolades and establishing himself as one of the league's top shooting guards. His defensive prowess and ability to score from beyond the arc made him a valuable asset to any team he played for, and his versatility allowed him to play multiple positions.
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