Cleveland Chapter President: Jim Chones
James Bernett “Bunny” Chones got his start in basketball with the ABA when he was drafted by the New York Nets in 1972. He got his first taste of the NBA in 1975 with the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he played five seasons. He won a title in Los Angeles, with the Lakers, in 1980. He retired in 1982 after a brief stint with the Washington Bullets.
After his active playing days, Chones has enjoyed a successful career as a broadcaster, for both television and radio. Most recently, he has served as the full-time radio voice of the Cavs since 2011.
Chones was inducted into the Greater Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame in 2002.
Recent Cleveland Chapter Events
Full Court Press
The Cleveland Chapter tipped off the 2024 Legends of Basketball Showcase weekend with a Full Court Press Clinic at the Case Western Reserve University, Veale Center on December 29. Over 100 local youth from the City of Cleveland organization were treated to Legends leading basketball drills and offering off the court advice to the participants. Cleveland Legends and other NBRPA members, led by Jr. NBA coach Frank Lopez, expertly directed youth through proper dribbling techniques, rebounding drills, and fundamental defensive positioning and capped the event with a heart-to-heart discussion on the importance of life skills.
Legends of Basketball Showcase + Players Party
Prior to the Legends of Basketball Showcase triple header on December 30, 2024, the Cleveland Chapter hosted a Tip-Off Party at Barley House. The party, presented by Maker’s Mark, was highlighted by fans mingling with NBRPA Legends Greg Oden, Jim Jackson, Brad Sellers and Derrick Polk, who were representing their beloved Buckeyes, along with authentic signed memorabilia from Mountaineer Legends Jerry West and Rod Thorn being raffled off to support the NBRPA’s charitable efforts and Legends Care programs.