5 Questions with Jim Chones

We caught up with NBA Legend Jim Chones, who enjoyed a 10-year career in the ABA and NBA before his current position serving as President of the NBRPA Cleveland Chapter. Chones is also a color analyst for Cleveland Cavaliers radio on WTAM and a co-partner with elite athletic development company — Cyber Athletix.

Q: What did it mean to the NBRPA’s Cleveland Chapter to host a successful All-Star Game and series of events during All-Star Weekend?

A: Well, this was special because it allowed us to showcase our city and the strength of our new chapter. Our city is 30% below the poverty line, and you guys (NBRPA) coming to Cleveland for All-Star Weekend not only helps our economy but gives the people a voice and makes them feel good. To know that Cleveland was the highlight of this global weekend was extra exceptional.

 

Q: What was the significance of the Cleveland Chapter taking part in the Legends Care Drive-Thru Food event?

A: The event was incredible because we had a chance to get people from all walks of life to participate. It was a challenge because it was 10 degrees out that morning, and some of the older guys didn’t bring their heavy winter gear, but we pushed through. We had many palettes of donated goods, some as high as six feet tall. I thought it was a great event and very successful.

As I mentioned earlier, with Cleveland being 30% below the poverty line, the drive was very much needed for our city. In Cleveland, we've partnered with organizations and opened up what we call dry food pantries. Canned goods and non-perishables are donated, so folks just have to focus on getting meat. We are partnering with the Cleveland Food Bank to do more of that in the future.

Q: What other initiatives is the Cleveland Chapter planning in the future?

A: We are planning on turning our attention to a summer league, which would be six to eight weeks of basketball. We are partnering with the city of Cleveland, where we will be using many of their recreation centers. The program will also have a mental health component to go along with it. We will also sit down with participants to discuss the importance of education, good hygiene and nutrition. Our boys' league will be named after our vice president Emmanuel Leakes, and our girls' league will be named after Women’s Hall of Fame member Janice Braxton. The other big project we are working on is a partnership with PNC to put on a women’s summit. We want to bring in stars like Maya Moore to talk to our young ladies. The summit will take place at Karamu Hall, the oldest black theater facility in the U.S., and we will do workshops and clinics, and Janice Braxton will head that.

Q: What advice do you have for other NBRPA chapters?

A: I'd start with you have to get your members involved. Show your members that they have skin in the game and let them oversee meaningful projects. Our fundamentals are based on our bylaws, and it has to be a commitment to have an impact at the grassroots level.

We can be a voice for people who don't have a voice and struggle. I would tell them to be creative, find partners that think the same way and find new ways of doing things. Right now, we are attached at the hip with PNC, and this is just the start of many new projects. Our new summer league will also be sponsored by PNC and a company very close to me, CyberAthletix.

Lastly, be active, feed people and engage with the community.

 

Q: On a personal note, you are also featured in the latest HBO series “Winning Time: Rise of the Lakers Dynasty,” and the young actor that portrays you in the series, Newton Mayenge, was in attendance at All-Star Weekend. What does it mean to you to have a young actor of that caliber portray you in the series?

A: It was a lot of fun for me. We are about the same height, but he looks a lot better than me. I told him, “I was afraid you were going to be ugly, but you are definitely an improvement over my personal appearance.”

He stayed an extra two days after All-Star because he was so excited about the festivities. It is great to see fans see another side of their favorite athletes.

SHARE