Popeye's Biggest Score

by Net Income on Jan 30, 2012 11:50 AM EST

Popeye Jones has had some luck developing NBA big men. While assisting Avery Johnson, first in Dallas and now in New Jersey, Jones had a hand in pushing DeSagana Diop, Brandon Bass and Kris Humphries to levels they hadn't reached before he got to them.

His biggest development job (and likely the most successful) came not on the court but at home.

In a profile, ESPN the Magazine calls Seth Jones, Popeye's 17-year-old son, "perhaps the best prospect in North America", a "franchise cornerstone", and in some scouts' minds, the "top pick" in next year's NHL Draft. And to think his father wanted him to play basketball!

How'd he get there? Jones took the advice of Avalanche great Joe Sakic, who he met while playing for the Nuggets. He knew all three of his sons had gone puck-mad and wanted advice. "You need to get them some skating lessons" Sakic told him. Technique took precedence over hockey skills. Now, writer Lindsay Berra reports, Seth has a choice between college and the Canadian juniors.

The Puck Stops Where? - Lindsay Berra - ESPN the Magazine

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Popeye as Head Coach?

I actually love his body language and attitude on the bench – he seems more integrated into the team and the game than AveryClown.
And anything out of Shelden Wiliams and Frenchie should be considered miracle work.

by Jron on Jan 30, 2012 11:56 AM EST reply actions

i liked the way petro played last night

Instead of missing layups he is trying to dunk the ball which is what he should be doing going hard at the rim and even though he got dunked on he challenge the shot thats what i like to see

by Pure baller15 on Jan 30, 2012 12:02 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Great article, wow

Seth Jones is a top young D man, and his size and skating will make him a red hot commodity in the 2013 draft. It’s not often that you see 6’3" and 200 lbs. at 17 with his mobility. Switching from basketball turned him from what would have been at most an undersized college/NBA prospect to a gangbusters, oversized NHL prospect. Popeye should be real proud.

by brother_rat on Jan 30, 2012 12:07 PM EST reply actions