Bobby Jones (basketball, born 1951)

Bobby Jones (born December 18, 1951) is an American former professional basketball player. He was a small forward and shooting guard known for his exceptional defensive skills and sportsmanship.

Jones played college basketball at the University of North Carolina, where he was a three-time All-American. He was selected by the Houston Rockets with the 5th overall pick in the 1974 NBA draft, but was immediately traded to the Denver Nuggets.

Jones spent two seasons in the ABA with the Nuggets, before the ABA-NBA merger in 1976. He continued to play for the Nuggets in the NBA for two more seasons before being traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in 1978.

He played eight seasons with the 76ers, winning an NBA championship in 1983. During his time in Philadelphia, he was a key part of a dominant team that also featured Julius Erving and Moses Malone.

Throughout his NBA career, Jones was consistently recognized for his defense. He was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team eleven times and won the NBA Sixth Man Award in 1983. He was also known for his impeccable sportsmanship, rarely arguing with officials and always playing with integrity. This earned him the nickname "The Sixth Man" and respect throughout the league.

Bobby Jones retired from professional basketball in 1986. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1991.