Kevin Love: James Jones is 'best teammate I've ever had'
CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Cleveland Cavaliers had an unsung hero during this year’s title run: James Jones.
The veteran, affectionately known as “Champ,” scored six total points in 12 playoff games, averaging 4.6 minutes. But numbers don’t begin to explain his impact.
Kevin Love shed some light on Jones’ true value.
“I’d like to tribute the best teammate I’ve ever had, James Jones aka Champ,” Love wrote in a heartfelt Instagram post one week after the Cavaliers topped the Golden State Warriors in Game 7 of The NBA Finals. “You taught me more than you know the past 2 years — what it takes to win, how to be a better teammate, how to balance the good/bad off the court, and most importantly…putting team first.”
Sacrifice was at the center of the Cavaliers’ success.
Love arrived during the summer of 2014, as the Cavs underwent a massive overhaul. Coming from Minnesota where he was the focal point of the franchise, the three-time All-Star needed to adjust to a new, lesser role. It wasn’t always easy. His shot attempts fluctuated and his production declined. He had to learn how to deal with constant scrutiny and ignore the chatter centered on his fit alongside LeBron James and Kyrie Irving — whether Love could be a piece of Cleveland’s Big Three.
Jones, who also came to Cleveland in 2014, chose to leave his Miami home and give up an established on-court role to keep playing alongside his “brother” LeBron James.
Jones didn’t know about playing time or shots. But he never complained. Instead, he found other ways to contribute, becoming a locker room leader while also devising the plan of a secret motivational puzzle in the shape of the Larry O’Brien Trophy, helping bring the team together. He wanted to add some Miami culture to Cleveland.
“You’ve been to 6 straight Finals,” Love said of Jones. “You’ve been the constant presence we needed in the locker room. You’re the ultimate workhorse. The lessons you taught me will stay with me for the rest of my career and life after basketball.
“No one can avoid the ups and downs of the Playoffs, and when many wrote me off after a tough stretch in the Finals… you and the team stuck by me allowing me to flourish and make plays when it mattered most. Like you told me not too long ago, ‘don’t be afraid to be yourself.’ And now I’ll never be — thanks for everything. Keep being you Champ.”
During Wednesday’s parade, James recognized Jones as well, calling the veteran the “most professional guy on our team.”
Kevin Love: James Jones is "best teammate I"ve ever had"
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