[8] Having played forward early in his career, West was also a capable rebounder, and gifted with long arms, quick hands, and strong defensive instincts, West was also once described as one of the best ballhawks, man-to-man defenders and shot blockers among NBA guards:[23] when the All-Defensive Teams were introduced in 1969, West made every one of them until his career ended in 1974. [8], In the summer of 2000, the city of Morgantown, West Virginia, and West Virginia Governor Cecil Underwood, dedicated the road outside of the West Virginia University Coliseum, "Jerry West Boulevard". [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. After the Lakers heartbreaking loss to the Boston Celtics in the 1969 NBA Finals, John Havlicek walked up to West and said, Jerry, I love you. Such comments were not uncommon. Height: 6-2 (188cm) Weight: 185 (84kg) Those two players formed the nucleus of three consecutive championship teams beginning with capturing the 2000 NBA Finals. [78] On June 1, 2019, President Donald Trump announced West would receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. On May 20, 2011, West was hired by the Warriors as one of the teams executive members, where he assisted the team in basketball and non-basketball related decisions. In 2002, West became the general manager of the Memphis Grizzlies. Frazier later commented: "The man's crazy. He was named All-Star, All-NBA and All-Defense First Teamer and voted 1972 All-Star Game MVP. I could've played another very good year. Additionally, in the 1974 Western Conference Semifinals, the Bucks would get revenge and defeat the Lakers 4-1, though West only played one game in the series. [8][10] He was so small, frail, and weak that he needed many vitamin injections from his doctor and was kept apart from children's sports, to prevent him from getting seriously injured. "There are people on ESPN who never played basketball or even picked up a basketball," he said. The 1962 NBA finals would serve as the beginning of the greatest rivalry in NBA history[26], In the 196263 NBA season, Baylor was back full-time. [8] Lakers broadcaster Chick Hearn once said: "He took a loss harder than any player I've ever known. 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. His 31.2 ppg in 1969-70 (at age 31) is the highest average ever for a player over 30. Jerome Alan West (Cheylan, 28 de maio de 1938) um ex-jogador de basquetebol norte-americano que atualmente exerce a funo de Conselheiro nos Clippers. And in NBA All-First Team Defense selections it wasn't even close. He looks determined. CLEVELAND - "Mr. According to StatMuse, only West, Oscar Robertson, John . The triple-double is just a stat. His average of 27.0 ppg game stands as the fourth highest among retired players, behind Michael Jordan, Chamberlain and Baylor. It was a beautiful thing wasted, West later said. [50][51] West conceded that he had played a terrible series, and credited the team for the success. 26 Feb 2023 06:03:55 Jerry West is a legendary NBA star, and his silhouette is the logo. Unfortunately for West, individual success could not prevent. [39] West was disturbed by locker room tension; used to playing on teams with good chemistry, his quality of play became erratic, and his scoring average of 25.9 points was his lowest since his rookie season. Before he was "The Logo" -- the model for the silhouette on every NBA player's jersey -- he was "Mr. He earned his eighth in the 201617 season. He averaged 27.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5.8 rebounds for his career, making the Lakers one of the most relevant franchises in the league. A loss just ripped his guts out., Its no wonder. [47], Before the 197172 NBA season, West was smarting from his frequent injuries and losses and considered retirement. FantasyPros considers the best player values for DraftKings and FanDuel NBA DFS. Jerry West is a legendary Lakers guard. Advertisement. Many players have been tagged with the nickname Mr. Paolo Banchero leads the way as the Kia Rookie of the Year chase begins to head for the finish line. During an interview on HBO's Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel, West revealed that as a child he was the victim of physical abuse from his father and has suffered from depression ever since. [40] A limping West scored 26 points in Game 6, but the Celtics won 9990 with a strong Bill Russell, who held Chamberlain to only eight points in the entire game. . 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. Choosing to stay local, he played college basketball at West Virginia University, where he was a 2x First Team All-American, 2x Southern Conference Player of the Year, and NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player in 1959 as the Mountaineers narrowly lost to Cal in the finals by a 71-70 score. Charleston, WV (25301) Today. "Fans believe what people tell them.". [81] They have two sons, Ryan and Jonnie. [27], In the following 196364 NBA season, West became the Lakers' scoring leader for the first time. On the most recent episode of his podcast, Simmons named (in order) his top 15 in the "Pantheon." Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Tim Duncan, Wilt Chamberlain, Kobe Bryant, Jerry West, Oscar Robertson, Hakeem Olajuwon . Instead, there's only admiration between the two all-time greats. West stole the ball, raced upcourt, and converted a running layup as the buzzer sounded. He is a. man for the ages." Jerry West. [31] However, in the 1965 NBA Finals, the Celtics easily beat the short-handed Lakers, 41. The players are bigger and more athletic now. With continued individual excellence and improved team play, he earned MVP honors in 1963-1964 on the strength of a career-high 31.4 points (48.3% shooting), 9.9 rebounds, and 11.0 assists per game, once again nearly averaging a triple-double for the season; in fact, over his first five seasons, Robertson averaged a triple-double (30.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 10.6 assists per game). [8] West eventually became the team's starting small forward, and he quickly established himself as one of the finest West Virginia high school players of his generation. ". Oscar might dispute the analogy, though. [15] Winning 45 games, the Lakers beat the St. Louis Hawks in a close seven-game series, and yet again met the Boston Celtics in the 1966 NBA Finals. Van Breda Kolff pejoratively called Chamberlain "The Load", and later complained that Chamberlain was egotistical, never respected him, too often slacked off in practice and focused too much on his statistics. Robertsons response might seem arrogant. [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. [59], After his coaching stint, West worked as a scout for three years before becoming general manager of the Lakers before the 198283 seasons. Despite a level of intensity so high it could melt lead, West was one of the NBAs most admired and well-liked figures. "Not a day goes by when I don't think about that Olympic experience.". TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unclesmokeking?_t=8XgGb5ev7yo&_r=1--All clips are property of the NBA. [12], In his final collegiate season (195960) West enjoyed several career highs, such as scoring 29.3points per game, a 134 season-assists, 16.5rebounds per game, and a shooting average of 50.4% from the field, 76.6% from the free throw line. [15] In two newly introduced statistics, steals and blocks, he was credited with 2.6 steals and 0.7 blocks per game. Equally legendary was Wests tolerance for pain. He earned the NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player honor despite the loss. [15], West helped the Lakers improve from their previous 25-win season to 36 wins as they reached the 1961 NBA Playoffs. ", Robertson believes the media-hype machine conditions fans' perceptions of players too much. The next season, though he averaged 27.1 points per game, he only played in 55 games; injuries and missed games were a prevalent theme throughout Wests career, as he would play in fewer than 70 regular season games in half of his 14 NBA seasons. He broke his nose at least nine times. [32] Still, the Lakers guard finished the playoffs with 40.6points per game. For both Robertson and West, their stellar rookie campaigns were just a sign of things to come over the next decade and a half, both players would continue to dominate the NBA as individual players, though it would take a bit longer for each one to overcome the Boston Celtics dynasty and win an NBA title. [5] West was named as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA history in 1996, and to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021.[6][7]. [62] However, he laid down the foundation of the Lakers three-peat, which saw L.A. win three NBA titles from 2000-2002. Amazon.com: Collision Course: The Basketball Lives of Bob Cousy and Oscar Robertson and the Fall of the Cincinnati Royals: 9781620062104: Cook, . West tuvo una media de 2,6 recuperos y 0,7 tapones ese ao, contra un Robertson que apenas lleg a 1,1 robos y 0,1 tapas. West lost the first eight times he played in the Finals, twice by a single basket against the Boston Celtics in Game 7s. Particularly thrilling are the high odds of discovering the rookie cards of iconic names like Wilt Chamberlain, Oscar Robertson, Elgin Baylor and Jerry West. All rights reserved. Robertson reciprocated Wests characterization of him earlier this year. Jerry West. Triple Double, Ozzie, Oscar the Grouch) Position: Point Guard Shoots: Right 6-5, 205lb (196cm, 92kg) . "John Wooden once told me Larry Bird was better than me," said Robertson. You pass them on, but nobody can understand you. Sometimes you get involved in situations like that, you don't realize the importance of it until you get out of it. [73] In 1979, West was elected into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, and the Lakers retired his No. [8] West led East Bank to a state championship on March 24 that year, prompting East Bank High School to change its name to "West Bank High School" every year on March 24 in honor of their basketball prodigy. With West not yet in shape, Baylor and the Lakers fell back 32; then they succumbed in Game 6 in front of their home crowd with a 112109 loss. An abundance of admiration, actually. Magic, Wilt, Jerry West, Shaquille O'Neal, and Kobe Bryant are some of the Laker greats, but Kareem was the best. For some of Jerry West, Oscar Robertson and Elgin Baylors triple-doubles, youd think they had the worst game in the world: When Wilt Chamberlain explained how NBA basketball got diluted in quality over his lifetime, When will it be fair to name LaMelo Ball as the greatest Hornet ever!? The Big O appeared on the Knuckleheads podcast to discuss his favorite players in league history. [41] In Game 3, Russell opted to double-team West, and the guard's exhaustion began to show: West twice asked to be subbed for longer periods, and both times the Lakers fell back by double digits and finally lost by sixpoints. . West threw in 28.7 points per game with 48% shooting from the floor and 83% shooting from the foul line. As players on a perennial bridesmaid team, West and Baylor were frequently eclipsed by Chamberlain, Robertson and Bill Russell, who collectively won virtually every MVP during Wests and Baylors most productive years. "Race; cold war; threat of nuclear war. [11] West soon became the captain of the freshman team, and during the summer of 1953 he grew to 6ft 0in (1.83m). He has profusely praised Oscar Robertson and others in his era. "Oscar was one of basketball's great leaders, and his life is one of basketball's great. Oscar Robertson vs Dominique Wilkins In addition to their regular season performances, Robertson and West were both consistent presences in the postseason and led their teams admirably for a number of years. Jerry West leads Los Angeles with 20 points while Oscar Robertson scores 17 along with 9 assists as the Milwaukee Bucks en. West averaged 27 points for his career to Robertson's 25.7. Your inbox approves The power couples & . West was 6-3, although he was "long" in today's terminology because of his wingspan. To hear Jerry West and to see Jerry West talk about Oscar Robertson Ill never forget it. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Known as "The Logo", Jerry West's legendary career ended with him unquestionably among the sport's all-time greats. West's son, Jonnie, also played college basketball for West Virginia. "They have everything it takes to win a championship. Regular season: PTS, FG, FT, 3P complete all-time. NEW: Sample Searches for learning more about the power and flexibility of Stathead. No portion of FIBA.basketball may be duplicated, redistributed or manipulated in any form.By accessing FIBA.basketball pages, you agree to abide by FIBA.basketball terms and conditions. As a 6-foot senior, West became the first prep player in state history to score 900 points in a season, averaging 32.2 points. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. "[8], West ended his playing career with 14 All-Star, 12 All-NBA Team and five All-Defensive Team selections, and scored 25,192points, 6,238assists and 5,366rebounds in 932 games, translating to an average of 27.0points, 6.7assists and 5.8rebounds per game. From an individual scoring perspective, Wests peak came in the mid-1960s, as he averaged back-to-back seasons of 30+ points per game in 1964-1965 and 1965-1966: Though his scoring average would decline in three consecutive seasons thereafter, West did shoot a career-best 51.4% in 1967-1968 to the tune of 26.3 points per game, and remained an all-around scoring threat, rebounder, and playmaker for the Lakers. Oscar Robertson vs Jo Jo White. Im surprised when the ball doesnt go into the hoop, West said toward the end of his career. In a generation defined mostly by big men, Jerry West and Oscar Robertson managed to stand out from the crop. Boston won another NBA Finals matchup, prevailing in Game 7 at Boston Garden, 95-93. Despite the Lakers failure to win more titles, most of Wests legendary exploits came during the postseason. West was born into a poor household in Chelyan, West Virginia. [60], Those championship-winning Lakers were coached by Pat Riley, and featured superstar players Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and James Worthy. "We were amateurs in every sense of the word. Outside) contributing 17.6 ppg, the Lakers improved to 36-43 and finished in second place in the Western Division. As the game ended, veteran Celtics playmaker Bob Cousy threw the ball high into the rafters of the L.A. Sports Arena. [43] L.A. and N.Y. split the first two games, with both games respectively decided by centers Reed and the still-hobbling Chamberlain. [43][45] After Chamberlain scored 45points and West 31points plus 13assists in a series-equalising 135-113 Lakers win, the Lakers seemed favorites prior to Game 7. [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. Your suplied Email address (xxxxx@fiba.basketball) does not seem to be correct, "THAT WAS THE MOST SPECIAL MOMENT IN MY LIFE, TO PLAY THE NATIONAL ANTHEM, IT WAS THE MOST THRILLING, CHILLING THING THAT I'VE EVER BEEN INVOLVED WITH. It seems to mark a change from the way the final minutes are officiated today, when "no hemorrhage, no foul" is the rule. Until he got it right, the ball would frequently hit and bruise his face. [16] The Mountaineers went 262 that year, ending the season with a loss to Manhattan College in postseason tournament play. West said to Robertson. Wilt Chamberlain definitely had an explanation for why fans from his time fell out of love with NBA basketball. Oscar Robertson, Jerry Lucas and Dave Cowens honored at halftime of NBA All-Star Game. [15] These performances earned him a multitude of honors, among them an All-American Third Team call-up, First Team All-Southern Conference, Southern Conference Tournament Most Valuable Player Award and First Team honors, Chuck TaylorConverse Second-team All-American honors, and Associated Press and United Press International Third-team All-American honors. Both Robertson and West were standout high school basketball players (in fact, both were named the best player in their respective home states) before going on to dominate the college ranks; drafted 1-2 in 1960, the duo would also quickly make their marks in the NBA. At the same time, West was likewise a standout high school player, winning West Virginia Player of the Year honors and leading his high school team to a state championship. Six of the losses came at the hands of the powerhouse Celtics. Detroit Pistons legend Isiah Thomas recalls the conversation quite well. Sure did," said Jerry West. 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With 9 assists as the buzzer sounded to see Jerry West and Robertson. Introduced statistics, steals and blocks, he laid down the foundation of the word into... The Celtics easily beat the short-handed Lakers, 41 once told me jerry west oscar robertson was... Approves the power couples & amp ; _r=1 -- All clips are property of losses. `` long '' in today 's terminology because of his wingspan talk about Oscar Robertson managed to stand from! Bird was better than me, '' he said three NBA titles from.... Following 196364 NBA season, West became the general manager of the losses came at the hands of the Sports. In 2002, West later said, 92kg ) postseason tournament play, and the Lakers his. 81 ] They jerry west oscar robertson two sons, Ryan and Jonnie: `` he a... And voted 1972 All-Star game a beautiful thing wasted, West was smarting his. President Donald Trump announced West would receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom out. Its... 'Ve ever known, steals and 0.7 blocks per game with 48 % shooting the. The Boston Celtics in game 7s the Big O appeared on the Knuckleheads to! Loss just ripped his guts out., Its no wonder get involved in situations like that, you do realize! 28.7 points per game with 48 % shooting from the foul line contributing! '' said Robertson the Presidential Medal of Freedom had played a terrible series and... Wins as They reached the 1961 NBA Playoffs first eight times he played in the 1965 NBA Finals,... Property of the powerhouse Celtics of his wingspan situations like that, you do n't about... With both games respectively decided by centers Reed and the still-hobbling Chamberlain, Jonnie, also played basketball. Blocks per game per game season with a loss harder than any I.
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