Jones a Second-Teamer for His Defensive Play

Eddie Jones accomplished one of his season-long goals, and the Lakers gained what they felt was a long-overdue measure of respect, as the NBA on Wednesday announced the all-defensive teams.

Jones got the fourth-most votes at guard in balloting among head coaches, earning a spot on the second team with Mookie Blaylock as Michael Jordan and Gary Payton were again the top vote getters in the backcourt. This comes a year after Jones’ disappointment at being left off completely, in favor of John Stockton.

“I would rather be playing at my best in the playoffs, but it’s wonderful,” Jones said. “It’s great. You achieve one goal, but the bigger picture is winning the championship.

“I think I had a fair season offensively. I could have been better, but I’m happy with this.”

Said Larry Drew, the Laker assistant coach who works with the guards: “I think he’s just being tough on himself. He’s one of those guys who doesn’t get satisfied with himself easily.

“Eddie has always been a very consistent defender. But by him making the all-star team last year and then repeating it this year, it got him recognition. By making it the second time, it elevated his notoriety.”

Two Bulls made the first team, Jordan and Scottie Pippen, but, in a surprise, Dennis Rodman was not only beaten out by Karl Malone, but also Tim Duncan and Charles Oakley for the second team. Dikembe Mutombo, voted defensive player of the year by the media, was chosen as the No. 1 center by coaches, with David Robinson No. 2.

One ballot from someone besides Del Harris, because coaches can’t vote for their own players, went to Shaquille O’Neal, but he still finished fourth at center, also behind Alonzo Mourning and Hakeem Olajuwon. No other Laker was cited in a season when they became only the third team since the inception of the shot clock to lead the league in scoring yet surrender fewer than 100 points a game.

“I think it’s important for our franchise that we get some recognition for our defense and that we do applaud it more,” Harris said. “It’s one thing to lead the league in scoring and dunks. But it’s much more vital to championships to have people who play defense.

“I think he [Jones] has always tried to hold up his end defensively. He’s always taken that challenge. It’s just that in the NBA you have to have team help. So if Eddie gets an award, it means he had team help. It’s a team award.”