HH Tournament: (5) Robert Parish vs (12) K.C. Jones

A classic five-twelve match-up takes place today

Yesterday’s match-up was the closest of the tournament thus far. Jo Jo White edged out Antoine Walker, winning 67 percent of the votes. While White is set to be the higher seed in the second round, he will have his work cut out for him, once again. This is one of two classic five-twelve match-ups.

Don’t forget that this is based solely off their playing careers with the Boston Celtics. Any coaching or front office experience shouldn’t be taken into account, neither should their collegiate careers or any other NBA teams they may have played for.

Robert Parish – 2003 Hall of Fame Inductee

16.5 PPG, 10 RPG, 1.5 BPG

14 Seasons with Boston, 3x Champion, 9x All-Star, #00 Retired by Celtics

The player who has played in the second most games for the Celtics was one of the most dominating centers in his era. Boston traded the top pick in 1980 for Robert Parish and a pick, that later became Kevin McHale, after his fourth year in the league with Golden State. Parish was dominating with the Warriors, although he finally started to get the recognition he deserved in Boston.

Parish was named to the All-Star team in his first season with the Celtics, an appearance that sparked seven straight from Parish. The seven-footer was a deadly scorer in the paint. He averaged at least 15 points per game in nine of his first 10 seasons with the Celtics and shot an outstanding 55.2 percent from the field.

He didn’t play in an era where big men were expected to shoot the three, although, he was still a very good free-throw shooter for a center. Parish shot 73 percent from the line during his 14 seasons with the Celtics. However, his dominance was most felt on the defensive end.

Parish averaged a double-double during eight seasons with the Celtics and his impact on the offensive glass led him to average at least three offensive boards per game in 11 of 14 seasons – an unheard of dominance on the offensive glass. He was a monster on the glass and was one of the best rim protectors in the game. In fact, Parish blocked at least 100 shots in each of his first seven seasons with Boston.

Parish helped lead the Celtics to a championship during his first season with the team. He was also an integral part to the next two championships, as well, as Parish averaged a double-double during their 1983-84 run. Not to mention averaging four blocks during 12 playoff games in 1981-82.

In Celtics history, he currently ranks first in offensive and defensive rebounds, second in total rebounds and games played, fourth in steals and points, and is the franchise leader in blocks. With Bill Russell being a major part of Celtics history, the dominance of Robert Parish at center in the 1980’s is sometimes forgotten. Although, he was one of the best rim protectors and interior scoring big men the league has seen.

K.C. Jones

7.4 PPG, 4.3 APG, 3.5 RPG

9 Seasons with Boston, 8x Champion, #25 Retired by Boston Celtics

K.C. Jones was drafted by the Boston Celtics in the second round of the 1956 draft, and he couldn’t have joined at a better time. The Celtics were in the midst of one of the most historic runs in NBA history, and Jones won eight championships in eight seasons to start off his career. The Celtics fell short in year nine and Jones decided to call it quits, though.

Players like Jones won’t be as appreciated by analytics because defensive statistics weren’t around back then. Therefore, Jones’ mediocre stat line is anything but impressive, although he was one of the toughest defenders of his time. At 6’1″, he was tenacious on that end of the floor. He had great ball pressure and was amazing at creating turnovers.

Offensively, Jones shot just 38.7 percent from the field and 64.7 percent from the line. Even in an era where outstanding outside shooting wasn’t the norm, Jones’ shooting percentages are still below-average. He wasn’t a terrible rebounder for a guard, although, just like the starting point guard Bob Cousy, K.C. Jones thrived on creating opportunities for his teammates.

During the second half of Jones’ career he became the starter. He finally saw more than 30 minutes per game and averaged at last eight points in three straight season, while also dishing out at least five assists every season. Jones’ main focus was still on the defensive end, although the numbers he could have put up without Cousy in front of him will never be known.

Still, Jones walks away with the ninth most assists in Celtics history and was a key player during the Celtics eight championships.

Don’t forget to vote on Twitter @HoudiniCeltics! The poll is up for 20 hours. Comments on here don’t count as votes, only the poll on Twitter will be looked at to determine who goes on to round two.

Next: Celtics and Knicks to Meet on Christmas

Also, look at tomorrow’s match-up to see the results from today’s showdown.