The National Basketball Association and the Boston Celtics family lost a legend Thursday night. It's been reported that Celtics all-time great Sam Jones has passed away at the age of 88. Jones died of natural causes, according to the Boston Globe's Adam Himmelsbach.

Sam Jones played his entire 12-year career with the Boston Celtics. He played from 1957 to 1969 in Boston. Jones won an astounding 10 NBA championships during that time. That is 2nd most in NBA history behind only teammate Bill Russell, who won 11 titles. He is part of the Celtics dynasty headed by Red Auerbach.

The first few years of his pro career, Sam Jones was more of a role player. But as the 1960's rolled around, Jones became an integral part of the Celtics' success. He was known for his quickness on the court, as well as his shot-making ability. Jones was nicknamed “Mr. Clutch.” He earned that nickname by sinking a lot of game-winning shots. Many of those took place during the playoffs when he averaged over 25 points per game from 1962 to 1967.

Sam Jones played alongside some of the greatest players ever assembled on one team; hence the 10 NBA Championships. Everyone knows and remembers Bill Russell. The NBA Finals MVP Award is named after him after all. But there was also John “Hondo” Havlicek, Bob Cousy (nicknamed the Houdini of the Hardwood) and Tommy Heinsohn (was Celtics broadcaster for many years after retiring). All of them are Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame members.

Jones was a 5-time NBA All-Star who led the Celtics in scoring four times despite the insane level of talent around him. Bill Russell once stated exactly what Jones brought to the court, according to History Channel's Pat Heery.

“Whenever the pressure was the greatest, Sam was eager for the ball… To me, that’s one sign of a champion … Heart in champions has to do with the depth of your motivation, and how well your mind and body react to pressure. It’s concentration—that is, being able to do what you do best under maximum pain and stress. Sam Jones has a champion’s heart.”