Last Wednesday was a dark day in the world of basketball, as it was announced that the legend Jerry West died at the age of 86. team leader.
Today he is better known as “The Logo,” as his image from Sport magazine eventually became the basis of the silhouette that has symbolized the league for 55 years already. Back in 2011, a statue of Jerry was unveiled outside the Staples Center, which used to be the home of the Lakers' stadium.
Although he was recognized for representing the league with his numbers, Celtics legend Bill Russell once set the record. “As you all know, Jerry is a brand man, but for us [players], Jerry was no shadow. He was a soulful person,” he confirmed.
Hall of Famer Jerry West died this morning at the age of 86 pic.twitter.com/mmnZ6nSS47
– Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 12, 2024
He was a man of many nicknames, some called him “Tweety Bird,” “Zeke from Cabin Creek,” or “Mr. Clutch,” which is probably the best as it's self-explanatory. “Jerry West was the best clutch player I ever saw, the best shooter, and one of the best competitors,” Oscar Robertson wrote in his memoir.
“His greatest talent, perhaps, was coming up at the right time to take advantage of a pick or a timely pass,” the Hall of Famer added. “Jerry hated losing so much that he could see it changing him. Jerry and I were friends, but our rivalry was intense.”
Many consider West's most famous clutch shot to be his 60-foot buzzer-beater in Game 3 of the 1970 NBA Finals against the Knicks, when time stood still and everyone thought he was crazy for making this shot. “This man is crazy,” thought opposing guard Clyde Frazier. “He looks determined. You think it really fits!”
From Jerry's side of the story, he took chances but didn't think the ball would actually go in. “I said, 'Oh my god, it's straight,'” he recalled when asked by the media. “You never think it's going to come in.”
Both NBA Finals coaches expressed great admiration for Jerry West before Game 3 in Dallas.
While we were preparing for last night's game between the Celtics and Mavericks, the coaches of both teams received the news of West's death and were asked to express their thoughts on his passing. Jason Kidd and Joe Mazzula had plenty of Hall of Fame stories, reflecting his greatness.
“One of the stories (that I have) is that when I was with the Nets and Rod Thorn, we were going to Memphis to play Memphis and I had never seen an old man drool. I asked Rod why he was drooling and I said, 'My idol'. “I was looking for Michael Jordan, but Michael wasn't around and I said, 'Jerry West?'” the Mavericks coach recalled.
As for the Celtics coach, he also recalled the moment that changed his career forever. “It's hard to lose him. Obviously, we are praying for Karen, Jonnie, and Ryan, and their entire family. My junior year in college I wasn't living up to anyone's standards and I got a call from Jerry.
“A lot of insults, but basically he told me I was an F up and I was wasting an opportunity to be a great player at something and he let me have it for 10-15 minutes. I thought it was one of the calls I had in my life,” said Mazzella.
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