Bobby Jones said defensive-minded players like him deserve HOF recognition: 'That's where half the game is played'

Bobby Jones' 2019 induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame naturally marked the pinnacle of his career; however, it also had deeper implications. It showed that defensive players, not just offensive stars, could earn this honor.

Two other notable defenders joining that class highlighted this: two-time NBA DPOY Sidney Moncrief and Teresa Weatherspoon, who received the equivalent honor in the WNBA. For Bobby, this trend signaled a positive shift in recognizing defensive excellence.

"I'm happy the Hall is addressing the defensive end of the court. That's where half the game is played," remarked Jones, per MassLive.

The overlooked art of defense

While the trend has decreased somewhat in recent years, a significant pattern in past Hall of Fame classes has been the induction of players celebrated for their exceptional scoring talents.

This focus is understandable, as exciting offensive plays often attract broader audiences. After all, even casual fans can appreciate highlight-reel moments like a spectacular dunk, right?

Meanwhile, defensive hustle plays, which are equally vital for a team's success — such as fighting through screens or clamping up offensive players — often go unrecognized. This lack of recognition often leads to great defenders missing out on individual awards. Consequently, many players may not prioritize defense — a source of frustration for Jones when observing the modern NBA.

"I see guys jogging down the court when the ball is at the other end," the former four-time All-Star said, clearly frustrated. "You're getting paid to get back on defense."

Jones was an exceptional player

All those players could learn something from "The Secretary of Defense." Just remember, Bobby was a mainstay on the All-Defensive First Team for eight straight years during his career. Furthermore, during two campaigns in the mid-70s, the Philadelphia 76ers legend averaged over four stocks per game. 

Jones, a one-time NBA champ, consistently showcased agility, strength, and defensive intelligence, prompting Larry Brown to once call his former Denver Nuggets player "as good a defender that we've ever had in our game."

However, don't get it twisted. All this talk about defense doesn't mean the Ohio native was lacking on offense. On the contrary, the former 6'9" forward was an underrated role player, winning the 6MOY award in 1983. Bobby, with a career shooting percentage of .560, led the league in field goal percentage several times and, for a taller player, was quite good at distributing the ball.

While demonstrating his incredible skills, the legendary number 24 always infused the game with amazing energy. Today, according to Jones, two players embody that same spirit: Kawhi Leonard and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

It's safe to say both are on track to become Hall of Famers as well, which is fantastic. This is particularly true as their induction will continue the trend of recognizing players who shine not just on offense but also on defense.