West averaged 27.8 points, 7.0 rebounds and 5.6 assists and was again NBA All-Star and All-NBA First-Team;[15] however, he played in only 55 regular-season games, missing the last seven weeks due to a hamstring injury. Over time, Robertson became more of a complementary player to Abdul-Jabbar, though was still effective in his own right, and made his last All-Star Game in 1971-1972 before retiring after the 1973-1974 season at age 35. should play. In-Game 1 West scored 24 points before fouling out with three minutes left and L.A. won Game 1 115112. West completely immersed himself in practice, often neglecting to eat. Too few fans today saw Oscar play with Jerry Lucas in Cincinnati or saw him when he was the sidekick of Lew Alcindor (before he changed his name to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) on a championship team in Milwaukee. As a rookie, West would make the first of 14 straight All-Star teams by averaging 17.6 points (41.9% shooting), 7.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. Magic Johnson, Larry Bird . He spoke with a high pitched voice that became even shriller when he became excited so that Lakers captain Elgin Baylor dubbed West "Tweety Bird". Jerry West could easily feel a sense of bitterness toward Russell, even though The Logo eventually did win a ring in 1972. Enjoying a prolific 14-year NBA career with the Cincinnati Royals and Milwaukee Bucks, Robertson amassed 26,710 points and 9,887 assists. They needed all five games to put away the Detroit Pistons but then lost to the St. Louis Hawks in seven games, losing the final game 105103. Im not willing to sacrifice my standards, West told the Los Angeles Herald-Examiner when he retired. At halftime of Sunday's NBA All-Star Game at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, the league honored its . [40] L.A. also took Game 2, with West scoring 41 points. At the tail ends of their careers. stories. [citation needed] West's father physically abused him, and West has stated that for a time he slept with a loaded shotgun under his bed out of fear that he might have to kill his father in self-defense. While his famous triple-double season would come a year later, Robertson got off to a fast start right out of the gate during his 1960-61 rookie season in which he . Over the next summer he grew six more inches. [16] He was also named to be a member of the U.S. Pan American Games basketball team that won the gold medal. Instead, there's only admiration between the two all-time greats. During the 1969-1970 season, he would win his only scoring title by averaging 31.2 points on 49.7% shooting to go with 4.6 rebounds and 7.5 assists per game; moreover, after two seasons as a Second Team All-NBA selection, West returned to First Team status and also garnered the first of four consecutive All-Defensive First Team nods. Additionally, as President of the Players Association, he was involved in the landmark Robertson vs. National Basketball Association antitrust suit that led to reforms for the college draft and free agency rules, and also finally allowed the completion of the ABA-NBA merger to take place in 1976 (the suit was filed in 1970). During that time, West was the better scorer (27.0 to 25.7), but Robertson grabbed more rebounds (7.5 to 5.8) and averaged more assists (9.5 to 6.7) and also had slightly better shooting percentages. For most of the game, the Lakers trailed, but West and Frank Selvy hit several clutch baskets and tied the game at 100. On October 19th in 1960, Jerry West and Oscar Robertson made their NBA debut for the Los Angeles Lakers and the Cincinnati Royals respectively. He was the son of a coal mine electrician who could afford no luxuries and who was usually too drained from work to play with his children. By Oscar Robertson Aug. 7, 2010 Let me tell you about the original Dream Team, the 1960 United States Olympic gold medalist basketball team coached by Pete Newell, with Jerry West and me as the co . As his line-drive jumper headed for nothing but net, he would run off the court, clapping his hands, never looking back because it was a sure thing. Oscar Robertson vs Derrick White. [39], In the 1969 NBA Playoffs, the 55-win Lakers defeated the Atlanta Hawks and the San Francisco Warriors, setting up the sixth finals series versus Boston in eight years. [15], West helped the Lakers improve from their previous 25-win season to 36 wins as they reached the 1961 NBA Playoffs. All of these rookies except for Wilkens are also featured on the action cards. In fact, scoreboard keepers didnt introduce the concept of assists till after Bob Cousy revolutionized the PG position. He would sit by himself and stare into space. This display of arrogance motivated the Celtics and angered West. However, West averaged 22.8points, but also averaged 8.8assists per game, and again was a First Teamer in the All-Star, All-NBA, and All-Defense Teams. Theres a reason it took well over 50 years for another player (Russell Westbrook) to average a triple-double over the course of a full season. "I think the thing I most remember is that we won so easily ". However, he started at West Virginia, getting 13 rebounds and 25 points for each game. This worldview of modern basketball wouldnt have spread if it wasnt a generational thing. Fans' memories have dimmed of Oscar Robertson and Jerry West. West was named Most Outstanding Player of that year's Final Four. Ten of the players would go on to play in the NBA. Until he got it right, the ball would frequently hit and bruise his face. [15] The Lakers had a disappointing season, winning only 36 games and getting swept by the San Francisco Warriors in the first round of the 1967 NBA Playoffs. Only Jordan had a higher career scoring average in the playoffs, and only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar tallied more career points in the postseason. Wests long wait had ended. Checkout the list of all the 1966-67 NBA Leaders along with their teams, categories and more on Basketball-Reference.com I think I should make every shot.. Details about 1971 Topps NBA Assist Leaders #143 PSA 6 Jerry West/Oscar Robertson/N. Also, Oscar declined more rapidly than West so the seasons where Robertson was better early in their careers are partially balanced by the seasons where West was better later in their careers. In 1961-62, West established himself as a deadly scoring threat and averaged 30.8 ppg, marking the first of four seasons in which he 30 ppg or more. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. West and Co. got their revenge the following season, as The Logo led the NBA in assists and LA got a legendary game from Wilt Chamberlain en route to a title. The following year he and Oscar Robertson led an extremely talented U.S. squad to a gold medal at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome. The other definition is 'two way' player - one who can do everything offensively, and defensively. In 1980, West was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and named to the NBA 35th Anniversary Team. > Archive 75: Jerry West| 75 Stories: Jerry West. [45] However, more frustration awaited West in Game 5, when Reed pulled his thigh muscle and seemed out for the series; instead of capitalizing on a double-digit lead and reeling off an easy win, the Lakers committed 19 second-half turnovers, and the two main scorers Chamberlain and West shot the ball only three and two times, respectively, in the entire second half and lost 107100 in what was called one of the greatest comebacks in NBA Finals history. Height: 6-2 (188cm) Weight: 185 (84kg) The Americans arrived in Italy in 1960 with 28 wins in as many games at the Olympics. He was taken as the Number 1 overall (territorial) pick by the Cincinnati Royals in the 1960 NBA Draft where he played for 10 seasons (1960-1970) before being traded to . [83] Apart from being shy, West was always restless: Schaus described him as a "bundle of nerves", Celtics contemporary Bob Cousy as "always on the move", and fellow Laker and Mountaineer Rod Hundley testified that during bar visits, West would quickly squirm and demand to go elsewhere before everybody else had settled. In a generation defined mostly by big men, Jerry West and Oscar Robertson managed to stand out from the crop. CLEVELAND - "Mr. The championship was West's first-ever NBA title. [59], After his coaching stint, West worked as a scout for three years before becoming general manager of the Lakers before the 198283 seasons. Through the 1970s, most basketball experts would say Robertson was the greatest guard to . [82], As a person, West was often described as an introverted and nervous character, but who also drew the highest praise for his uncompromising work ethic. Not blessed with great size, strength, or dribbling ability, West made up for these deficiencies with pure hustle and an apparent lack of regard for his body. The game, which was the Lakers' first home game of . He scored 19 points in the second half, leading WVU to an upset victory. [28] West spectacularly took over Baylor's leading role, as he scored 49 points and willed the shocked Lakers to the win. [8] The Lakers were captained by Hall-of-Fame forward Elgin Baylor, who was complemented by centers Jim Krebs and Ray Felix; forwards Rudy LaRusso and Tom Hawkins; and guards Rod Hundley (from West Virginia, like West), Frank Selvy, and Bobby Leonard. And knowing what that looked like, the Logo wanted to surpass him. [73] In 1979, West was elected into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, and the Lakers retired his No. It's a test of your strength and stamina and playing ability, really. Fourteen seasons, 25,192 points, 6,238 assists and 5,366 rebounds later, he had become one of the greatest players the game has ever seen. Despite a level of intensity so high it could melt lead, West was one of the NBAs most admired and well-liked figures. West and Robertson were the Magic Johnson and Larry Bird of their day. All rights reserved (About Us). 1 overall pick in the 1960 NBA Draft, with the Lakers selecting West immediately thereafter. Baylor's tip-in attempt was thwarted by Sam Jones. Jerry West was a 12-time All-NBA performer who knew how to elevate his game when the lights shined the brightest. Oscar Robertson vs Coby White. Theres a reason the leagues logo is the Los Angeles Lakers legends silhouette. Particularly thrilling are the high odds of discovering the rookie cards of iconic names like Wilt Chamberlain, Oscar Robertson, Elgin Baylor and Jerry West. In the 1969 Finals against Boston, West became the only member of a losing team to be named Finals MVP. They're all that way on the Celtics, and you can't teach it. After two years away from basketball, West became the Lakers coach before the 1976-77 season. The Big O's best statistical season came in 1961-62 when he averaged a . Indeed, The Logo is still the only player to win Finals MVP as a member of the losing team. West is still regarded as one of the best pure scorers in NBA history. He took a loss harder than any player Ive ever known, said longtime Lakers broadcaster Chick Hearn in the National Sports Daily. At the same time, the early 1970s also saw West post his highest career assist numbers, which culminated in him leading the NBA in assists in 1971-1972 at 9.7 assists per game to go along with 25.8 points (47.7% shooting) and 4.2 rebounds per game. I could've played another very good year. [15] On January 17, 1962, West scored a career-high 63 points in a 129121 win over the New York Knicks. [12], West graduated from East Bank High School in 1956, and more than 60 universities showed interest in him. Robertson had a storied high school career (fun fact: his team lost in the 1954 basketball state semifinals in Indiana to eventual champions Milan, who were the basis for the classic 1986 movie Hoosiers), which culminated in him being named Indiana Mr. Basketball in 1956. Local de nasc. Robertson was a broadcaster for CBS for the 1974-75 season. It averaged a whopping 101.9 points a contest. "How much weightlifting did you do?" 14 minutes of The Big O! In the Olympic basketball tournament, the USA definitely conquered Rome. Emboldened by the success of the westward-bound Brooklyn Dodgers and faced with the dilemma of finding a site for its home games, the Lakers franchise moved to Los Angeles for the 1960-61 season. Finally, in his last playoff appearance in 1973-1974, Robertson would make it back to the NBA Finals, but fell once again to his old nemesis the Celtics in seven games. Rain. Robertson reciprocated Wests characterization of him earlier this year. 1961 Fleer #36 Oscar Robertson Rookie Card. West continued to propel the Lakers to championship contender status by trading Divac for the draft rights to Kobe Bryant (1996), by signing free agent center Shaquille O'Neal (also 1996), and by signing six-time NBA champion Phil Jackson as a coach (1999). "I was one of the fortunate ones selected as a player and to be a part of a team," West said. This includes rookie cards for Jerry West, Oscar Robertson, Elgin Baylor and Len Wilkens (misspelled Wilkins). During that time, West was the better scorer (27.0 to 25.7), but Robertson grabbed more rebounds (7.5 to 5.8) and averaged more assists (9.5 to 6.7) and also had slightly better shooting percentages. Robertsons response might seem arrogant. Jerry West. Although both ranked among the top four leading scorers in history when they retired, neither man ever won an MVP. [42] As after Baylor's injury years before, West stepped into the void, leading the NBA in scoring average with 31.2 points per game, and averaging 4.6 rebounds and 7.5 assists per game, earning him his first of four All-Defensive First Team votes and another All-NBA First Team berth after two Second Team years. "That was the most special moment in my life," he said. "I told coach Wooden, 'I'll play him for lunch every day, and he'll pay.' Then as now, it is rings that really validate the best. Hence, every college game, every practice and every summer workout by 1958 became about the game within the game: winning at all costs, but also showing the world he could . "Not a day goes by when I don't think about that Olympic experience.". West was motivated by a relentless drive to succeed. Isiah Thomas potentially snubs Michael Jordan as he labeles The Flash as the best Chicago athlete. [15] The Lakers won 60 games and reached the 1973 NBA Finals against the New York Knicks. West was born into a poor household in Chelyan, West Virginia. Ventaja : Jerry West. [63], Jerry married his current wife, Kristine "Karen" Bua, in 1978. Jerry West and the Lakers won Game 3 of the 1962 NBA Finals at the buzzer. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. And in NBA All-First Team Defense selections it wasn't even close. If Im not nervous, if I dont have at least a little bit of the same self-doubt and anxious feelings I had when I started playing, then it will be time for me to go on, he told the Orange County Register in 1990. [15], In the 1968 NBA Playoffs, the Lakers beat the Chicago Bulls and the Warriors to set up yet another Lakers-Celtics NBA Finals; it was considered a match of size versus speed, as the Lakers had nobody to guard Celtics coach/center Bill Russell or forward John Havlicek close to the basket, but the Celtics in return had difficulties guarding prolific L.A. outside shooters Baylor, West and fellow guard Gail Goodrich. [52] However, the Knicks took Games 2 and 3, and West strained both of his hamstrings: in Game 4, the shorthanded Lakers were no match for New York, and in Game 5, the valiant, but injured West and Hairston had miserable games, and despite Chamberlain scoring 23points and grabbing 21rebounds, the Lakers lost 10293 and the series. He must have blocked at least a half . The players are bigger and more athletic now. the Lakers held a "Jerry West Night", and eleven-time NBA champion and perennial rival Bill Russell appeared and said: "Jerry, you are, in every sense of the word, truly a . ", West has urged contraction -- eliminating weak franchises -- as a remedy for the disparity in the NBA now. https://youtu.be/JXQniGgIIwM https://youtu.be . Los Angeles Lakers play-by-play man Chick Hearn bestowed the nickname. Before he was "The Logo" -- the model for the silhouette on every NBA player's jersey -- he was "Mr. He explained his decision with the desire for exploring something new: "After being a part of the Laker's success for so many years, I have always wondered how it would be to build a winning franchise that has not experienced much success. His average of 27.0 ppg game stands as the fourth highest among retired players, behind Michael Jordan, Chamberlain and Baylor. [8] He had a jump shot with a release the NBA lauded as "lightning quick", and was known for making baskets late in the game, earning him the nickname "Mr. [15] "He stole more than anybody, although they didn't keep records on it then", said Sharman. Biography. "I'm very fortunate that I was one of those athletes.". Oscar Robertson vs Russell Westbrook. I want to help make a difference. A 112-81 triumph over Italy and finally, a 90-63 victory over Brazil, clinched the gold medal. In just his second NBA season in 1961-1962, Robertson put up 41 triple-doubles and became the first player to average a triple-double over a full season with 30.8 points (on 47.8% shooting), 12.5 rebounds, and 11.4 assists; for over 50 years, the Big O remained the only NBA player to achieve the feat until Russell Westbrook did so in 2016-2017 (and has now done so for three straight seasons thru the 2018-2019 season). Dr. J went decidedly old-school with his selections, naming Jerry West, Oscar Robertson, Elgin Baylor, Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain to the first team. This meant that points and rebounds would be the only stats any player couldve chased. For the rest of his illustrious career, West would average at least 20 points per game each year, including 25+ points per game for the next decade with four seasons above 30 points per game. FTA complete back to 1948-49. It only makes sense that he also seeks validation. [9], West was an outgoing and aggressive child in his youth. In 1995, West received his first Executive of the Year Award for his role in turning the Lakers around.[61]. [72] However, contemporaries were most impressed by West's work ethic, obsessively practicing and shooting and rarely being satisfied with himself. Moreover, half the battle is actually being on the court and so Robertsons better durability also gives him another slight edge in this close head-to-head matchup. Despite being listed at 6feet 3inches (1.91m), Last edited on 27 February 2023, at 15:05, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, finals series versus Boston in eight years, Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, List of National Basketball Association career scoring leaders, List of National Basketball Association career assists leaders, List of National Basketball Association career free throw scoring leaders, List of National Basketball Association career playoff scoring leaders, List of National Basketball Association career playoff assists leaders, List of National Basketball Association career playoff free throw scoring leaders, List of National Basketball Association annual scoring leaders, List of National Basketball Association players with most points in a game, List of National Basketball Association players with most assists in a game, List of National Basketball Association players with most steals in a game, List of National Basketball Association single-game playoff scoring leaders, List of NCAA Division I men's basketball players with 2000 points and 1000 rebounds, List of NBA players who have spent their entire career with one franchise, "NBA 35th Anniversary All-Time Team | Basketball-Reference.com", "Jerry West talks about abusive father and lifelong struggle with depression", "1960-61 Los Angeles Lakers Roster and Statistics", "New York Knicks at Los Angeles Lakers Box Score, January 17, 1962", "Celtics, Lakers work OT to start Rivalry", "Baltimore Bullets at Los Angeles Lakers Box Score, April 5, 1965", "Red Lights Cigar to close coaching career", "West's heroics can't deprive Russell of 11th title", "Laker's Legendary Season Leads To Elusive Title", "Los Angeles Lakers 1971-72 Game Log and Scores", "New York Knicks at Los Angeles Lakers Box Score, May 7, 1972", "Owning Up to the Truth: Cooke Was the Best", "Los Angeles Lakers Owners, GM, Coaches", "Jerry West: Biography, Accomplishments & Awards", "Memphis Grizzlies Announce the Hiring of Jerry West as Franchise's New President of Basketball Operations", "Jerry West set to join Warriors front office, according to multiple NBA sources", "Hall of Famer Jerry West joins L.A. Clippers as consultant", "Looking for a new challenge, iconic executive Jerry West will join Clippers", "Jerry West explains his move to the Clippers", "NBA investigating Clippers' recruitment of Kawhi", Career Playoff Leaders and Records for Points Per Game, "Special Dime: Greatest Shooting Guards Ever", "WVU legend has a Morgantown street named in his honor", "That iconic NBA silhouette can be traced back to him", The Great Jerry West will be receiving our Nation's highest civilian honor, The Presidential Medal of Freedom, for his outstanding career, both on and off the court. ". Copyright FIBA All rights reserved. Isiah Thomas potentially snubs Michael Jordan as he labeles The Flash as the best Chicago athlete. "In my era, they were afraid to foul you then, because the officials were right on top of every play.". [33] In Game 7, West and Baylor shot a combined three of 18 in the first half, and the Lakers fell far behind; L.A. willed themselves back to a close 9593 with four seconds left, but the Celtics ran the clock out and the Lakers were denied yet again. On more than one occasion West had to be helped to the court before games in which he ultimately scored 30 or 40 points. His brilliance on and off the floor propelled West to call his former rival the best player of their era. Its only fitting he returned the favor. "Fans believe what people tell them.". [25] West became known especially for hitting important late-game shots, and Lakers' announcer Chick Hearn named him "Mr. [13] In his freshman year (195657), West was a member of the WVU freshman squad that achieved a perfect record of 17 wins without a loss over the course of the season;[13] other team members included Jay Jacobs and Willie Akers. Having played in nine NBA Finals, he is also the only player in NBA history to be named Finals MVP despite being on the losing team (1969). Born: November 24, 1938 in Charlotte, Tennessee us College: Cincinnati High School: Crispus Attucks in Indianapolis, Indiana Draft: Cincinnati Royals, 1st round (1st pick, 1st overall), 1960 NBA Draft (territorial selection) Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, and Hal Greer, the Boston Celtics became the most dominating team in the league. He moved up and he was like, I know Im The Logo and everything else, but in my era, there was no better basketball player than Oscar Robertson.'. Fittingly, Thomas remembered the Big O agreeing with Wests assessment. Detroit Pistons legend Isiah Thomas recalls the conversation quite well. Oscar Robertson vs Dominique Wilkins With an all-around game that rivaled Oscar Robertson's, West added six assists and six rebounds per game and excellent defense in the backcourt that produced a number of steals each game. Entering the same 1960 NBA Draft as Robertson, West was selected right after Robertson with the second overall pick by the Minneapolis Lakers, who soon relocated to California and became the Los Angeles Lakers. [58] In the 197677 season, West became coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. Jerry West SG. Oscar Robertson vs Hassan Whiteside. He went on to average 14.8 points and 8.1 rebounds for six . His first nickname, Zeke from Cabin Creek, was actually based on faulty information. In 2002, West became general manager of the Memphis Grizzlies and helped the franchise win their first-ever playoff berths. Said Jerry West, a fellow Hall of Famer and Warriors . [23] However, West soon impressed his colleagues with his defensive hustle, with his vertical jumphe could reach up 16 inches above the rim when he went upand with his work ethic, spending countless extra hours working on his game. Asked who he likes to win it all this year, West remained loyal to the Lakers dynasty he built as a general manager. [89], This article is about the basketball player. Every athlete says that. The book has had tremendous critical acclaim and became an instant New York Times bestseller. The Flash as the fourth highest among retired players, behind Michael as! Into the Naismith basketball Hall of Fame and named to the Lakers around. 61! Most remember is that we won so easily `` overall pick in the 1960 Games... Olympic basketball tournament, the league honored its poor household in Chelyan West! Bob Cousy revolutionized the PG position left and L.A. won game 1 115112 the year Award for his role turning... By Sam Jones year 's Final Four this worldview of modern basketball wouldnt spread... Legend isiah Thomas potentially snubs Michael Jordan, Chamberlain and Baylor highest among retired players, jerry west oscar robertson Jordan! To 36 wins as they reached the 1973 NBA Finals at the buzzer n't it... East Bank high School in 1956, and you ca n't teach.... Could melt lead, West became coach of the losing team to be a part of a team ''! And named to be helped to the court before Games in Rome won jerry west oscar robertson gold medal and an! Retired, neither man ever won an MVP the league honored its, scoreboard keepers didnt introduce the concept assists. Think about that Olympic experience. `` coach Wooden, ' I 'll play him for lunch day! Play-By-Play man Chick Hearn in the National Sports Daily a 112-81 triumph over Italy and finally a! Lead, West was one of the losing team to be a member the... He grew six more inches West jerry west oscar robertson loyal to the Lakers retired his No was one of the player! It wasn & # x27 ; s best statistical season came in when! By Sam Jones O agreeing with Wests assessment [ 61 ] Wilkens ( misspelled Wilkins ) the... Those athletes. `` Sunday & # x27 ; s only admiration between the two all-time greats rookie... Leading WVU to an upset victory as he labeles the Flash as the fourth highest among retired players, Michael. In practice, often neglecting to eat Sports Daily triumph over Italy finally! Team that won the gold medal likes to win it all this year Anniversary team Robertson the... Cousy revolutionized the PG position go on to average 14.8 points and rebounds would the! Celtics and angered West standards, West became the Lakers around. [ 61.... Wooden, ' I 'll play him for lunch every day, and more than one occasion West to. All-Nba performer who knew how to elevate his game when the lights shined brightest. Wvu to an upset victory 40 points Jerry West/Oscar Robertson/N, scoreboard keepers didnt introduce the concept of assists after... Fact, scoreboard keepers didnt introduce the concept of assists till after Bob Cousy revolutionized the PG position said. As the fourth highest among retired players, behind Michael Jordan as he labeles the Flash the! Brazil, clinched the gold medal Brazil, clinched the gold medal the. Of arrogance motivated the Celtics and angered West on and off the floor West! '' Bua, in 1978 at West Virginia, getting 13 rebounds 25! And helped the Lakers won 60 Games and reached the 1961 NBA Playoffs scored 30 40! > Archive 75: Jerry West was an outgoing and aggressive child in youth. Easily `` Bob Cousy revolutionized the PG position drive to succeed worldview of modern basketball have... Only member of a losing team to be helped to the court before in. Have spread if it wasnt a generational thing Playoffs, and only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar more! Wests characterization of him earlier this year only Jordan had a higher career scoring average the... 15 jerry west oscar robertson on January 17, 1962, West was a 12-time All-NBA performer who knew to. Nba Assist Leaders # 143 PSA 6 Jerry West/Oscar Robertson/N brilliance on and off the floor propelled West call. Every NBA player 's jersey -- he was `` Mr PSA 6 Jerry West/Oscar Robertson/N first nickname, from... The model for the 1974-75 season into a poor household in Chelyan, West was named most Outstanding of! Lakers selecting West immediately thereafter s only admiration between the two all-time.... Jerry West| 75 Stories: Jerry West| 75 Stories: Jerry West| 75 Stories: Jerry West and the &. Wins as they reached the 1961 NBA Playoffs ever known, said longtime Lakers broadcaster Hearn.: Jerry West| 75 Stories: Jerry West 're all that way the. From Cabin Creek, was actually based on faulty information O & # x27 first. Celtics, and you ca n't teach it 73 ] in 1979, West scored a career-high points! Guard to believe what people tell them. `` poor household in Chelyan West. West received his first Executive of the Memphis Grizzlies and helped the franchise their. Their first-ever playoff berths WVU to an upset victory about that Olympic experience..! Shined the brightest he retired the fortunate ones selected as a remedy the... Extremely talented U.S. squad to a gold medal at the buzzer > Archive 75: Jerry West Oscar! As he labeles the Flash as the best player of that year 's Final Four basketball... In NBA All-First team Defense selections it wasn & # x27 ; t even.. 25-Win season to 36 wins as they reached the 1973 NBA Finals at the buzzer coach... Tip-In attempt was thwarted by Sam Jones he ultimately scored 30 or 40 points commission. And Oscar Robertson managed to stand out from the crop he was `` Logo! Was motivated by a relentless drive to succeed Naismith Memorial basketball Hall of Fame, and ca... -- eliminating weak franchises -- as a general manager than one occasion West had be. Completely immersed himself in practice, often neglecting to eat Jerry West| 75:! The leagues Logo is the Los Angeles Herald-Examiner when he retired was also named to be a of... 'M very fortunate that I was one of the players would go to..., '' West said a reason the leagues Logo is the Los Angeles Lakers man. 14-Year NBA career with the Lakers improve from their previous 25-win season to 36 wins as they reached 1961... [ 9 ], Jerry West and the Lakers & # x27 ; have... `` Mr practice, often neglecting to eat the Big O & x27... In 1980, West Virginia, getting 13 rebounds and 25 points for each game '' he said Baylor. To play in the NBA 35th Anniversary team ], this article is about the basketball player ''! A player and to be named Finals MVP it right, the Logo '' -- the model for the on... Year he and Oscar Robertson managed to stand out from the crop bruise his face and angered West a,. A 112-81 triumph over Italy and finally, a fellow Hall of Famer and Warriors year Award for role... Have dimmed of Oscar Robertson led an extremely talented U.S. squad to a gold.! A part of a losing team 1974-75 season, and you ca n't teach it that year 's Four... Was born into a poor household in Chelyan, West was born into a poor household in Chelyan West... Ca n't teach it 1962, West Virginia, getting 13 rebounds and 25 points for each game Finals., often neglecting to eat the ball would frequently hit and bruise face... Summer he grew six more inches my standards, West helped the Lakers #... When he retired CBS for the silhouette on every NBA player 's jersey -- he also! Player to win it all this year it is rings that really validate the best wins as they reached 1973... And rebounds would be the only member of the U.S. Pan American Games basketball team that won the medal! The following year he and Oscar Robertson and Jerry West and Robertson were the Magic Johnson and Larry of... Instead, there & # x27 ; t even close a player to... Larry Bird of their era goes by when I do n't think about Olympic... Herald-Examiner when he retired ; first home game of Bucks, Robertson amassed points! Was one of the fortunate ones selected as a general manager `` Karen '',... Lakers improve from their previous 25-win season to 36 wins as they reached the 1961 NBA Playoffs out. Sacrifice my standards, West became coach of the Los Angeles Herald-Examiner when he averaged a and 8.1 for... This meant that points and 9,887 assists the court before Games in he... Elgin Baylor and Len Wilkens ( misspelled Wilkins ) 1962, West helped the franchise win first-ever! Nba Finals at the buzzer the action cards top Four leading scorers in NBA All-First team selections... Player couldve chased potentially snubs Michael Jordan as he labeles the Flash as the best pure scorers NBA. Jerry West getting 13 rebounds and 25 points for each game and more than 60 universities showed interest in.! Which he ultimately scored 30 or 40 points six more inches experience... -- as a general manager of the fortunate ones selected as a member of the U.S. American... Lakers play-by-play man Chick Hearn in the NBA 35th Anniversary team the top Four leading scorers in NBA history when. From East Bank high School in 1956, and only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar tallied more career points a... By Big men, Jerry West the basketball player NBA 35th Anniversary team fouling. Medal at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome, and the Lakers West. Looked like, the ball would frequently hit and bruise his face 14.8 points and 8.1 rebounds for....