NBA Legend Jerry West Passes Away at 86
Today, we have lost another giant among men. It is now confirmed that NBA legend Jerry West has passed away at 86 years old on Wednesday morning. Immediately as the news begins to spread, an outpouring of thoughts and deep reflection from other NBA superstars and colleagues flood all social and news channels.
For instance, current Lakers player and all time leading scorer, Lebron James writes,
“Will truly miss our convos my dear friend! My thoughts and prayers goes out to your wonderful family! Forever love Jerry! Rest in Paradise my guy!”
Moreover, Hall of Famer Michael Jordan immediately sends a few messages in which ESPN sports host, Stephen A, reads on air for all to hear. Jordan mentions,
“I am so deeply saddened at the news of Jerry’s passing. He was truly a friend and a mentor. Like an older brother to me. … Rest in Peace, Logo.”
Yes, many players have this same exact experience from just being in the presence of Mr. West. Which only testifies to the kind of character, integrity and qualities that Jerry possessed and freely displayed towards others. He shined bright in front of all, both on and off the court.
Therefore, when you want to talk about Jerry West, where does one even begin? You could easily spend all day talking about him as a player. Then you could spend many more discussing everything he did after he hung up his shoes, becoming a NBA executive.
Hall of Famer Jerry West Passes at 86
Nevertheless, one of the NUMEROUS things West is known for is discovering the iconic Kobe Bryant. Regarding Jerry West Bryant once said,
“He’s the man that believed in me from the beginning. The conversation that I had with him sitting in the Forum locker room and just being in awe of sitting in Magic [Johnson]’s locker and sitting next to Jerry West talking about basketball. That’s before anybody knew anything. That was special.”
Special indeed. Kobe and Jerry will be sincerely missed. They both changed the game in distinct ways. However, when it comes to Jerry West, NBA fans will continue to see him everywhere, every season.
While younger generations may not know this, but West is famously the NBA’s logo. That stoic figure you see bouncing a basketball is indeed modeled after West. Even though the NBA will not officially acknowledge Jerry’s likeness being utilized. Hence the nickname, “LOGO.”
However, West never needed their admittance. In regards to how the NBA won’t come clean that it’s West on the logo; Jerry was candid on the situation anyway. “I knew a long time ago,” West told Grantland in 2011 about his image being used in the design. “[The NBA] would always say it’s an urban myth.” Well… Myth or not, it’s still very cool and he’ll always be the Logo to fans and the world.
NBA Legend Jerry West Passes Away at 86
However, Jerry achieved so much more than urban legend status. Seriously, looking at his legacy can make your sports head spin. Here’s just a few things to chew on:
NBA champion/ as player:
- Finals MVP despite team losing
- 14x All-Star (every year)
- 9 Finals appearances
- Highest series PPG (46.3)
- Scoring and assist title
- 12x All-NBA
- 5x All-Defense
As executive:
- 2x Exec of the Year
- 8 rings as exec
- Helped build Shaq/Kobe and Showtime Lakers teams
- Helped build Warriors dynasty
What a baller. What a businessman. And what a guy!
Jerry loved and breathed basketball. And it showed in everything he did and accomplished. He’s deserving of all recognition and accolades. Moreover, he will always be remembered as one of “the best to ever do it” and our thoughts are with his family, friends and close associates.
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