Mark Jones, man. This dude has got to be the most fun color commentator out there — especially when it comes to hoops.
The dude knows ball, obviously. He brings analysis to his color seat in ways that other color commentators don’t and that’s part of the reason he’s so good at what he does.
But he’s also not afraid to bring a little culture to the table. It’ll catch you off guard, but it’s good stuff. Really good stuff.
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That happened on Thursday night as the Celtics pulled away from the 76ers to force a Game 7.
First, he quoted a dope Ja Rule record with Ashanti, saying Jayson Tatum not always there when you call, but he’s always on time. Excellent reference. Definitely 10 out of 10. Five stars.
Very much enjoyed Mark Jones paying tribute to Ja Rule. pic.twitter.com/2b4OM4Qp3Z
— Jimmy Traina (@JimmyTraina) May 12, 2023
But then… BUT THEN. After the game, the camera showed a shot of Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum standing together. Then Jones pulled out this gem.
"smoking that Philadelphia pack tonight" – Mark Jones pic.twitter.com/5ilVCEru4I
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) May 12, 2023
HE SAID THE CELTICS WERE SMOKING THAT PHILADELPHIA PACK. ON NATIONAL TELEVISION.
Everyone was both shocked and simultaneously thrilled that Jones dropped these bars on us. This man is really out here doing it for the culture. He explained his sauce a bit via Twitter, which was a pretty cool thing for him to do.
Thanks for the kind words @ClaireMPLS. I give viewers some insights into the players,personalize them. Talk team strategies,call out some plays in real time,document the game with seasoning.Colorful vocab.Maybe even quote Lil Durk or MoneyBagg Yo. I don’t do vanilla. It’s the NBA https://t.co/arCVDFYx2D
— MarkJonesESPN (@MarkJonesESPN) May 12, 2023
What a champ. We absolutely love to see it.
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"smoking on that philly pack" directly into "what's good over there, cassidy?" brought mark jones from my # 2 fav after mike breen to # 1 https://t.co/nPiVydwwju
— claire de lune (@ClaireMPLS) May 12, 2023
Never in a million years did I think I would hear a commentator on television say “smoking that Philadelphia pack” live on air. Inclusivity matters. This was hilarious Mark Jones of ESPN. pic.twitter.com/0Ic23qbGId
— JMK 🟢 🗞️ (@JMKTVShow) May 12, 2023
watching mark jones say “smoking on that Philadelphia pack” on live tv pic.twitter.com/80gM2lqfMA
— Maggio (@kylemaggio) May 12, 2023
I bet Mark Jones is super fun to watch a game with https://t.co/3wVdqw8syG
— Steve Jail (@Biyombonesaw) May 12, 2023
“Smoking that Philadelphia pack” Mark Jones can’t be real pic.twitter.com/SSAojduugI
— I 😵💫‼️ (@Ibra_Goat) May 12, 2023
No way he said that on live TV Lmfao 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/hNyno2Z9yG
— HaterMuse (@HaterMuse) May 12, 2023
Very much enjoyed Mark Jones paying tribute to Ja Rule. pic.twitter.com/2b4OM4Qp3Z
— Jimmy Traina (@JimmyTraina) May 12, 2023
GIVE MARK JONES A RAISE
— Barflaan Tedoe 🇱🇷 (@The_Barftender) May 12, 2023
Mark Jones is a real one https://t.co/FUfB7WOPl8
— Antwan V. Staley (@antwanstaley) May 12, 2023
Mark Jones just said they “Smoking that Philly pack tonite” 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 Lawd Jezus pic.twitter.com/Ty3UWlfzbg
— Vada_Fly (@Vada_Fly) May 12, 2023
