Former player, broadcaster Snapper Jones dies

Steve "Snapper" Jones, the former pro basketball player who became a renowned broadcaster, died Saturday night in Houston after a lengthy illness, according to the Portland Trail Blazers. He was 75.

Jones played for Portland of the NBA after being a three-time All-Star in eight seasons in the ABA. His overall scoring average between the two leagues was 15.2.

After his playing career ended in 1976, Jones became a popular broadcaster and was the lead analyst for the "NBA on NBC" for more than a decade. Former Trail Blazers teammate Bill Walton was often part of the same crew.

Jones called his last game in 2006 after 26 seasons as part of the Trail Blazers announcing team.

"The NBA family mourns the passing of Steve "Snapper" Jones -- former Portland Trail Blazer, ABA All-Star and one of the NBA's all-time great TV analysts," NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. "We send our deepest condolences to his family and many friends."

Jones was a college star at Oregon prior to his pro career. He played for Oakland, New Orleans, Memphis, Dallas, Carolina, Denver and St. Louis of the ABA.