Jerry West has died.

[Ouremblem]

86 years old. Not a good time period for my childhood heroes. Jim Otto died too.

 

[The deacon]

86 years old. Not a good time period for my childhood heroes. Jim Otto died too.

Thanks, Ouremblem... West was clutch, a great shooter and a defensive standout as a collegiate and pro player and classy, smart and visionary as a basketball executive.

That he's the logo says pretty much what one needs to know about the NBA's level of respect for Jerry West. RIP, Jerry.

 

[meyers7]

It's one thing to shoot from the logo, it's another to be the Logo. May he rest in peace.

 

[OldSchooler]

Partner to my all-time favorite player, Elgin Baylor. What I remember about West's jump shot -- guarded closely, with his back to the basket, he'd jump up, twist 180 degrees in the air, and make the shot. I recall one NBA final where the Celtics seemingly had the game locked up in the final minute, but West brought the Lakers back, and I think they lost by two, causing Red Auerbach to almost swallow his lit cigar.

 

[Ozimoto]

One of the giants of West Virginia University athletes. Sad day for the school and the state.

 

[MilfordHusky]

Still the only player to be named Finals MVP on a losing team. He was the best player on the floor, but the Celtics were a little better.

One of the top shooting guards ever, arguably behind only Jordan.

 

[JellyBean]

Dang!! One of the greatest to ever play. RIP, Mr. West.

 

[bantamlaker]

Younger people know Jerry West as a leading basketball executive but he was also a really great player. He averaged 27ppg for his career. In the 65 playoffs he averaged 40 ppg. In a game 7 finals loss to the Celtics he had a triple double with 42 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists.
In the 1960 draft West was the #2 pick with the Big O going #1. Can anyone think of a better top two picks than those two?

 

[Veteran]

As a lifelong Celtics fan, I'm programmed in my very DNA to hate the Lakers. And I always will. But not the individuals. West had one of the most complete basketball careers in the history of the game. On the court and off he was a true winner. He led a long life, jam packed with accomplishments.

So, this is sad news. RIP, Jerry West.

 

[Scud49]

I think it's pretty simple, Jerry West was an icon in the world of basketball. RIP Jerry, your legacy will live forever.