SAN ANTONIO — Tre Jones spent five-plus seasons wearing Spurs black and silver, learning the history of the organization.
The Bulls guard has also spent the last few years in Chicago, and doing so as a football fan of the Bears and quarterback Caleb Williams.
Those two worlds collided as Jones found himself stuck going between historian and politician on Monday.
There’s been a lot made of the “Iceman” nickname the last week, especially since in San Antonio there was only one “Iceman:” NBA legend George Gervin.
Williams tried to hijack the nickname and claim the legal copyright, which didn’t sit well in many circles, including with Gervin.
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Jones has two horses in the race so was guarded on how he approached the entire saga.
“Yeah, the ‘Iceman,’ “ Jones said when Gervin’s name was mentioned. “George Gervin was a pioneer for basketball. Obviously, not only for (the Spurs) franchise, but the entire NBA as well. He pushed the envelope in so many ways.
“I think that as long as ‘The Iceman’ nickname isn’t disrespected and it’s kept as a sign of respect to George Gervin … you know it’s a new eras, a new generation, names can keep flying around like that.”
Williams has been courtside for several Bulls games since being drafted by the Bear two years ago, and that hasn’t gone unnoticed by Bulls players. That’s why as much as Jones respects the tradition and history of San Antonio, he admittedly offered up support in what the quarterback was attempting to do.
“I like Caleb a lot,” Jones said. “He had a great year this year and the ‘Iceman’ nickname was really cool. I support that as well, but as long as there’s the respect that George Gervin deserves with it.”
More on Jones
Gervin wasn’t the only topic Jones had to address
