Former Trail Blazers Broadcaster Steve “Snapper” Jones Dies

Sad news today for thePortland Trail Blazersfamily as former television broadcaster Steve Jones has passed away. The Oregonian’s John Canzano shared the news via Twitter.

Jones played for the Trail Blazers during the 1975-76 season, the culmination of anine-year professional careerin the ABA and NBA. Though he was a three-time ABA All-Star, Jones became famous for color commentary with the Trail Blazers and nationally, His broadcasting career began with CBS in 1976 and continued with the Blazers, NBC, TNT, ESPN, and other national networks for the better part of three decades. Nationally he was often paired with another former Trail Blazer, Bill Walton. The repartee between the two became famous, with Walton the master of starry-eyed hyperbole and Jones the cynical pragmatist. Jones called his last game for Portland in 2006. He also worked for the Seattle Supersonics alongside current Blazers play-by-play man Kevin Calabro beforeill health forced his retirement.

Blazer’s Edge remembers Jones, and the basketball education he offered, fondly and offers condolences to his friends and family.

Update:

Former Blazers commentator Mike Rice offers these thoughts on Jones’ passing.

And more...