NBA stars mourn the death of Jerry West, ‘one of the very best players’

Laker Jerry West, left, and Philadelphia 76er Fred Carter race down the court at the Forum in Inglewood on Dec. 19, 1971. (Associated Press)

They called him “Mr. Clutch,” “Zeke from Cabin Creek,” “Tweety Bird” and eventually “The Logo.” Yet to the people who knew him, Jerry West was, at first, someone you’d call overwhelming and humbling.

“Well, it was intimidating,” Golden State coach Steve Kerr told The Times. “It’s hard to make these lists, but, when you think about the very most important figures in NBA history, he’s on the short list.”

Kerr, a broadcaster at the time, went to watch the Memphis Grizzles practice when West, the team’s general manager, spoke with him about anything and everything — a man allergic to anything but unvarnished truth.

“Jerry, as you know, was, uh, he was like perpetually unplugged. He didn’t spare any thoughts on anybody,” Kerr said.

After West’s death at the age of 86 on Wednesday, the basketball world reciprocated. Some fans visited his statue outside the Lakers arena, one bouquet of flowers sitting at the base under a list of his basketball accomplishments.

LeBron James posted shortly after the Clippers announced West’s death.

“My mentor, My friend!” he wrote on X. “Hopefully I continue to make you proud! You’re already missed!”

Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Pau Gasol and Klay Thompson were among those who also posted their thoughts about West’s death.

“I am so deeply saddened at the news of Jerry’s passing. He was truly a friend and mentor — like an older brother to me. I valued his friendship and knowledge,” Jordan said in a statement. “I always wished I could have played against him as a competitor, but the more I came to know him, I wish I had been his teammate.”

NBA Hall of Fame contributor Rod Thorn, a prep star in West Virginia just younger than West, knew him as a friend, teammate and competitor.

As Thorn entered West Virginia as a freshman, West was starring on the varsity team, the two players matching up in early-season practices.

“You know, I thought I was pretty good, but compared to him, he was just so good. I mean, he could…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/nba-stars-mourn-loss-jerry-155207395.html

Author : LA Times

Publish date : 2024-06-12 15:52:07

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