Popeye Jones is a former professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for 11 seasons. He was born on June 17, 1970, in Dresden, Tennessee, and attended Murray State University, where he played college basketball.
Jones was selected by the Houston Rockets in the second round of the 1992 NBA draft but was traded to the Dallas Mavericks before the start of the season. He played for the Mavericks for four seasons, from 1993 to 1997, and was known for his rebounding and physical play. He averaged 7.5 points and 7.4 rebounds per game during his time with the Mavericks.
In 1997, Jones was traded to the Toronto Raptors, where he played for two seasons. He continued to be a solid rebounder and averaged 8.2 points and 7.7 rebounds per game during his time with the Raptors.
After his stint with the Raptors, Jones played for several teams, including the Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets, Washington Wizards, and Golden State Warriors. He was primarily used as a backup power forward or center and was known for his toughness and work ethic.
Jones retired from the NBA in 2004 and began his coaching career. He served as an assistant coach for several NBA teams, including the Dallas Mavericks, Brooklyn Nets, and Indiana Pacers. In 2019, he was hired as an assistant coach for the Phoenix Suns.
Throughout his NBA career, Jones was known for his rebounding and physical play. He was a hard worker and a team player who was willing to do whatever it took to help his team win. He was also known for his durability, as he played in 535 consecutive games at one point in his career.
Off the court, Jones was known for his friendly and outgoing personality. He was a fan favorite wherever he played and was respected by his teammates and opponents alike.
In conclusion, Popeye Jones had a successful NBA career as a solid rebounder and physical player. He played for several teams and was known for his toughness and work ethic. After retiring from the NBA, he began his coaching career and has continued to be involved in the sport.
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