NBA's Greatest Players in History: Jerry West

• 14-time NBA All-Star and NBA champion
• Only player to win Finals MVP on a losing team (1969)
• Pioneered the modern jump shot and earned the nickname "Mr. Clutch"
• Member of the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team

Jerry West's unparalleled skill, competitiveness, and basketball IQ made him one of the most influential figures in NBA history, both as a player and executive. He is literally the NBA logo.

Overview

Jerry West's impact on basketball is immeasurable. As a player, he revolutionised the game with his deadly jump shot and clutch performances. As an executive, he built championship teams and shaped the modern NBA. West's relentless pursuit of excellence and his ability to perform under pressure earned him the nickname "Mr. Clutch" and cemented his place among the sport's all-time greats.

Career snapshot

West's 14-year playing career with the Los Angeles Lakers was nothing short of spectacular. He averaged 27 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.8 rebounds per game over his career, leading the Lakers to nine NBA Finals appearances. Although he only won one championship as a player (1972), West's individual accolades are staggering:

• 14-time NBA All-Star
• 10-time All-NBA First Team selection
• 4-time NBA All-Defensive First Team
• NBA scoring champion (1970)
• NBA assists leader (1972)
• NBA Finals MVP (1969) - the only player to win this award on a losing team

Playing style

West's playing style was ahead of its time. He was one of the first guards to perfect the jump shot, combining excellent form with deadly accuracy. His ability to create his own shot off the dribble and score from long range made him nearly unguardable. West was also an exceptional passer and defender, making him a complete player who could impact the game on both ends of the court.

What truly set West apart was his clutch performance. Time and again, he delivered in crucial moments, hitting game-winning shots and carrying his team in high-pressure situations. His 60-foot buzzer-beater in Game 3 of the 1970 NBA Finals remains one of the most iconic shots in league history.

Why Jerry West is on our list

Jerry West's inclusion on the list of most dominant NBA players is irrefutable. His combination of individual brilliance, team success, and lasting impact on the game makes him a basketball icon. West's influence extends beyond his playing days, as he went on to become one of the most successful executives in NBA history.

As general manager of the Lakers, West constructed the "Showtime" dynasty of the 1980s and brought Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant to Los Angeles, setting the stage for another run of championships. Later, as an executive with the Memphis Grizzlies and Golden State Warriors, he continued to demonstrate his keen eye for talent and team-building.

West's silhouette serves as the NBA logo, a fitting tribute to a man who embodies the essence of basketball excellence.

Five Fast Facts

1. West is the only player in NBA history to be named Finals MVP while playing for the losing team (1969).
2. He scored 25,192 points in his career, ranking 22nd all-time at his retirement.
3. West was named to the NBA's 35th, 50th, and 75th Anniversary Teams.
4. As an executive, he won eight NBA championships (six with the Lakers, two with the Warriors).
5. West's nickname "Zeke from Cabin Creek" refers to his humble beginnings in West Virginia.

Career Highlights Timeline

1960: Drafted 2nd overall by the Minneapolis Lakers
‍1961: Named to his first All-Star team
‍1962: Led the Lakers to the NBA Finals, losing to the Celtics in seven games
‍1969: Won Finals MVP despite losing the series to Boston
‍1970: Won the NBA scoring title, averaging 31.2 points per game
‍1972: Won his only NBA championship as a player
‍1974: Retired as a player, immediately becoming the Lakers' head coach
‍1982: Became general manager of the Lakers
‍2002: Named general manager of the Memphis Grizzlies
‍2011: Joined the Golden State Warriors as an executive board member
‍2017: Became an executive board member for the Los Angeles Clippers

Jerry West's journey from a small town in West Virginia to becoming one of the most influential figures in NBA history is a testament to his extraordinary talent, work ethic, and basketball intellect. His legacy as both a player and executive has left an indelible mark on the sport, inspiring generations of players and shaping the modern NBA.

West's relentless pursuit of excellence and his ability to perform under pressure make him a true basketball legend and an undisputed member of the NBA's most dominant players of all time.

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