Jim Cleamons embarked on his professional basketball journey when he was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the 1971 NBA Draft. However, it was with the Cleveland Cavaliers that he began to establish himself as a reliable player. Cleamons played as a guard, known for his defensive skills and ability to support his team on both ends of the court. During his time with the Cavaliers, he developed a reputation for being a steady presence on the floor, contributing to the team's efforts with his consistent play.
After his stint with the Cavaliers, Cleamons joined the New York Knicks, where he continued to demonstrate his abilities as a dependable guard. His tenure with the Knicks further solidified his role as a valuable team player, capable of executing plays and providing defensive strength. Cleamons' career as a player also included time with the Washington Bullets, where he continued to apply his skills and experience to support his team.
Transitioning from player to coach, Cleamons found a new avenue to apply his basketball knowledge. He became an assistant coach for the Chicago Bulls under Phil Jackson. During his time with the Bulls, Cleamons was part of the coaching staff that led the team to multiple NBA championships in the 1990s. His role as an assistant coach allowed him to contribute to the development of strategies and the mentoring of players, helping to guide the team to success.
Cleamons' coaching career extended beyond the Bulls, as he later joined the Los Angeles Lakers' coaching staff, once again under Phil Jackson. With the Lakers, he continued to be part of a successful coaching team, contributing to the Lakers' championship victories. His experience and understanding of the game were valuable assets in his coaching roles, allowing him to support the teams he worked with effectively.
Throughout his career, both as a player and a coach, Jim Cleamons demonstrated a deep understanding of basketball.
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