Jerry West: The Symbol of the NBA.
August 21st 2007 06:14
Jerry West is the literal symbol of the NBA. So, what exactly did the
aforementioned cryptic sentence mean? Because West hasn’t played NBA basketball for around 30 years so he can’t possibly be symbolic of the league.
Maybe, we’re being cryptic, or metaphoric? Um, not quite.
Okay, let’s put everyone out of their misery. When NBALOUD says that ‘Jerry West is the literal symbol of the NBA’ it is in reference to the fact that West’s silhouette adorns the NBA logo for he is the inspiration for that ghostly white baller.
Although, the place of West in the canon of NBA greatness is secure, for he is more than just a ghostly silhouette – he is an all-time great.
Date of Birth: 28th May, 1938.
College: West Virginia
Draft: Minneapolis Lakers, 1960 (2nd overall).
Height: 6’2”
Average Points per Game: 27
Average Assists per Game: 6.7
Average Rebounds per Game: 5.8
Awards: Elected to Basketball Hall of Fame (1980); NBA Finals MVP (1969); NBA Champion (1972); All-NBA First Team (1962-'67, '70-'73); All-NBA Second Team (1968, '69); NBA All-Defensive Team (1970-73); NBA Champion (1972); 14-time NBA All-Star (1961-'74); NBA All-Star MVP (1972); Olympic gold medallist (1960); NBA 35th Anniversary Team (1980); One of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996).
Nicknamed ‘Mr. Clutch’, West, was an obsessive perfectionist that dominated the guard position during his career making an All-Star game appearance every single season he played, whilst leading his Lakers to nine Finals appearances.
By the time West retired he held records for the highest playoff scoring average in a series and the career leader in postseason scoring.
When the game was on the line, the Lakers looked to West to bail them out and he was responsible for one of the most famous clutch baskets in NBA history hitting a 60 foot swish to tie Game 3 against the Knicks in 1970 as the buzzer sounded. Clutch indeed.
Not only was West talented, but he was tough as nuts and rarely has anyone personified grit and determination more than Jerry. Breaking his nose on at least nine occasions he would play on even if he was on his death bed.
Los Angeles was so good during West’s tenure, but they were continually thwarted from winning an NBA title from the legendary Celtics teams that featured Bill Russell. The frustration felt by West was palpable because his competitiveness is on par with Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant’s will to win.
Legendary Laker broadcaster Chick Hearn remarked that when West lost games he didn’t
exactly take it too well: “"He would sit by himself and stare into space. A loss just ripped his guts out." It's no wonder. West held himself to seemingly impossible standards. "I'm surprised when the ball doesn't go into the hoop," West said toward the end of his career. "I think I should make every shot." (NBA.com)
Reggie Miller, whose postseason exploits pale in comparison to West’s playoff performances, becoming in 1969 the only player ever to win the Finals MVP award in a losing squad.
In the ’71-’72 season Mr. Clutch contemplated retirement before the season began, frustrated with the lack of championship success, but he would return for another run at the title and this time he had Wilt Chamberlain on board. The Lakers that year went on a league wide rampage winning a record 33 games in a row, on the way to winning 69 games for the season.
Oh, they also captured that long awaited title as well.
Mr. Clutch, we salute you!
Today’s video is of the Logo himself.
(Post source: NBA.com)
Mr. Clutch is the logo. (Image from wikipedia)
Maybe, we’re being cryptic, or metaphoric? Um, not quite.
Okay, let’s put everyone out of their misery. When NBALOUD says that ‘Jerry West is the literal symbol of the NBA’ it is in reference to the fact that West’s silhouette adorns the NBA logo for he is the inspiration for that ghostly white baller.
Although, the place of West in the canon of NBA greatness is secure, for he is more than just a ghostly silhouette – he is an all-time great.
Date of Birth: 28th May, 1938.
College: West Virginia
Draft: Minneapolis Lakers, 1960 (2nd overall).
Height: 6’2”
Average Points per Game: 27
Average Assists per Game: 6.7
Average Rebounds per Game: 5.8
Awards: Elected to Basketball Hall of Fame (1980); NBA Finals MVP (1969); NBA Champion (1972); All-NBA First Team (1962-'67, '70-'73); All-NBA Second Team (1968, '69); NBA All-Defensive Team (1970-73); NBA Champion (1972); 14-time NBA All-Star (1961-'74); NBA All-Star MVP (1972); Olympic gold medallist (1960); NBA 35th Anniversary Team (1980); One of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996).
Nicknamed ‘Mr. Clutch’, West, was an obsessive perfectionist that dominated the guard position during his career making an All-Star game appearance every single season he played, whilst leading his Lakers to nine Finals appearances.
By the time West retired he held records for the highest playoff scoring average in a series and the career leader in postseason scoring.
When the game was on the line, the Lakers looked to West to bail them out and he was responsible for one of the most famous clutch baskets in NBA history hitting a 60 foot swish to tie Game 3 against the Knicks in 1970 as the buzzer sounded. Clutch indeed.
Not only was West talented, but he was tough as nuts and rarely has anyone personified grit and determination more than Jerry. Breaking his nose on at least nine occasions he would play on even if he was on his death bed.
Los Angeles was so good during West’s tenure, but they were continually thwarted from winning an NBA title from the legendary Celtics teams that featured Bill Russell. The frustration felt by West was palpable because his competitiveness is on par with Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant’s will to win.
Legendary Laker broadcaster Chick Hearn remarked that when West lost games he didn’t
Jerry West is pretty fly for a White guy. (Wen Roberts/NBA Photos)
Reggie Miller, whose postseason exploits pale in comparison to West’s playoff performances, becoming in 1969 the only player ever to win the Finals MVP award in a losing squad.
In the ’71-’72 season Mr. Clutch contemplated retirement before the season began, frustrated with the lack of championship success, but he would return for another run at the title and this time he had Wilt Chamberlain on board. The Lakers that year went on a league wide rampage winning a record 33 games in a row, on the way to winning 69 games for the season.
Oh, they also captured that long awaited title as well.
Mr. Clutch, we salute you!
Today’s video is of the Logo himself.
(Post source: NBA.com)
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Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
MS Paint Art
Keep up the good work,
katyzzz
Comment by Stanley
still, once again your words and sentiments are lovely.