NBA legend Jerry West, one of the greatest executives in NBA History, passed away peacefully this morning at the age of 86, the Los Angeles Clippers announced Wednesday morning.
According to the team, West’s wife, Karen, was by his side.
In 14 NBA seasons, all with the Lakers, West was a 14-time All-Star and won a championship in 1972. He is the only player to win Finals MVP (1969) in a losing effort.
As an executive, he was two-time Executive of the Year and won eight NBA titles with the Lakers and Warriors. In addition, West was an executive for the Grizzlies and currently had a front office position with the Clippers.
West has made the Hall of Fame three times, once as a player(1979), another for his Olympic play(2010), and finally as a contributor(this fall).
While the NBA logo is nameless and faceless, it is said to be West. “Mr. Clutch,” as he’s affectionately known, made many big plays as a player and an executive.
Bottom line: You can’t tell the story of basketball without mentioning the name Jerry West.
Here is what the Clippers, Grizzlies, and NBA commissioner Adam Silver had to say about West:
Silver:
“Jerry’s four decades with the Lakers also included a successful stint as a head coach and a remarkable run in the front office that cemented his reputation as one of the greatest executives in sports history,” Silver said . “He helped build eight championship teams during his tenure in the NBA – a legacy of achievement that mirrors his on-court excellence. And he will be enshrined this October into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as a contributor, becoming the first person ever inducted as both a player and a contributor.”
On behalf of the LA Clippers:
“Today, the world has lost an icon and a national treasure, as beloved in the hollows of West Virginia as he was in the hills of Los Angeles and all points in between. The Clippers have lost a mentor, a confidant, and a friend. We are simultaneously devastated and honored to have witnessed the last chapter of Jerry West’s legendary career. To the end, he was a fierce competitor, a giving teammate, and a lot of fun. His passion for the game was without parallel. His wisdom, his generosity and his humor are forever sewn into the fabric of the franchise. He gave his heart to everything and everyone he touched. Our deepest condolences go out to the West family and the entire basketball community, united under one Logo.”
On behalf of Clippers owner Steve Ballmer:
“This is a hard day. I am honored to call Jerry a confidant, an advisor and a friend. Connie, my wife, called him my ‘basketball dad.’ He was absolutely my basketball sage: wise, loyal and so much fun. If you were in his presence, you felt his competitiveness and his drive. He cared about everything and everyone. From the first day I met Jerry seven years ago, he inspired me with his intellect, honesty and enthusiasm. He never stopped. I spent a lot of time with him, some of the best times of my life. He always lent an ear, and he always had a quip. He always left me laughing. I will miss him.”
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