RIP "Mr Clutch"...... Jerry West Dies at 86; Hall of Famer, Lakers Legend Won 9 Total NBA Championships
Makes 2 of us. The Hick from French Lick had a helleva career. Celtics were rough on him, but he still got that ring in 72, the lakers won 69 and had a still standing 33 game win streak. (Take that Russell and Jordan) Bill Russell himself said Jerry was the one of the best guards he ever played against and yes, he was truly clutch. If the three ball had been around in his day, he would have a couple more rings I suspect. His post NBA career was, in many respects, more remarkable than his playing career. He got a little revenge on the Celtics in management. I hope the NBA keeps the West "logo" it's iconic. Rest in peace Jerry, thank you for many wonderful moments in hoops.
That NBA logo was always so intriguing because you couldn't tell which direction the player was headed in. Then you realized it was the great left-handed Jerry West weaving through the defense to score once again. RIP LOGO.
RIP Logo. I thought Larry Bird was the Hick from French Lick and Jerry West grew up in West Virginia, or was he also from French Lick? If so they should test the water in French Lick
Just so there is no confusion he won 1 NBA championship as a player and not 9. Not to take anything away from him. He was a fantastic player. A legend. Many years ago I was playing 2 on 1 against my twin nephews (they must have been about 10 years old at the time) and they asked me who my favorite player was expecting me to name MJ. I told them I was going "old school" and named Jerry West. They said "Cool. His card is worth a lot of money!". That is how kids now value players. LOL. One guy I greatly admired was Paul Silas. He was Dennis Rodman without the tats and wedding dress. I knew if I mentioned him they would have said "Who?"
Copied my comments from another thread: I too remember watching West in the latter days of his career playing for the Lakers with Wilt, Gail Goodrich, etc, and finally getting that championship ring. So, I knew he was a great player. But, memories fade (particularly mine) and it was enlightening to see replays of his playing days on the NBA Channel a few times over the last few years. It reinforced that: The guy was really, really good!!! ...on both ends of the court - and even by today's standards! I would take West and Walt Frazier in my all-time backcourt and go to battle with anyone. Both were outstanding defenders on one end, could score and pass on the other end, and were consummate team players. (Kind of like another loquacious legend who recently passed.) RIP.
If they had a 3-pt line during Jerry West's career he'd have at least another 1-2 rings and 30+ points avg
Good point. I didn't realize there was no 3-point line at that time. He was a good ole West Virginia rifleman long before Jason Williams and Brett Nelson.
