Robin Jones, a backup big man on the Portland Trail Blazers' 1977 NBA Championship team, died Monday in Chicago. He was 64.

Affectionately called "Rubberband Man" because of his long and slender 6-foot-9 frame, Jones arrived in Portland as a free agent in August 1976, just as a coach named Jack Ramsay and legendary players Bill Walton and Maurice Lucas were setting the foundation for the most memorable season in franchise history.

Jones played just one season in Portland, but what a season it was. He was a backup to the Blazers' dominant, All-Star forwards, averaging 5.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 63 games. During the playoff run that captured the hearts of Oregonians and spawned the creation of Rip City, Jones recorded nine points and three rebounds in a series-clinching victory over the Denver Nuggets and played in all six games of the NBA Finals.

He was traded to the Houston Rockets the following season, but played in just 12 games and eventually left for a 5-year career in Europe. But he will always be remembered for his contributions to the Blazers' lone championship and Jones rarely missed a chance to make his way back to Portland for reunions and championship anniversaries. Most recently, Jones joined his former teammates in Portland in January 2017, when the organization celebrated the 40th anniversary of the title.

"I was very sorry to hear about Robin," Blazers Founder Harry Glickman said in a release. "He played a vital role on our championship team. He will be missed by his friends and family, and also by his teammates."

Added Bill Schonely, the Blazers' legendary broadcaster: "Robin Jones didn't play very much, but he was an absolute teammate from end to end, and he did everything that was asked of him. He was terrific in the locker room, and an all-around great guy. God bless you, Robin Jones."

A funeral celebrating Jones' life will be held Friday, July 20 at Leak & Sons Funeral home in Country Club Hills, Ill.

Joe Freeman | jfreeman@oregonian.com | 503-294-5183 | @BlazerFreeman