Oct 18, 2013; Shanghai, Shanghai Province, China; Golden State Warriors executive board member
Jerry Westand his wife Karen West sit in front row seats before the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Mercedes-Benz Arena. Mandatory Credit: Danny La-USA TODAY Sports
3. Jerry West
This is where the all-time greats come in. “Mr. Clutch” came into the league in 1960, and retired as the all-time franchise leader in points. West was the first premier scorer that was not physically gifted. At the time, most of the scoring came within ten feet of the basket, with players such as Bill Russell and George Mikan dominating the game in the paint.
Blue Man Hoop
West was the first pure shooter basketball ever saw, and changed the game forever. West was the ideal combo guard, as he can take a game over with his great scoring ability, or use his ball handling and passing to control the game.
The NBA’s logo spent his whole career as a Laker, and finished with 14 All-Star appearances, 10 All-NBA first team selections, Four All-NBA defensive team selections, and was the only player ever to win the Finals MVP while being on the losing team. Jerry West ranks 6th all time in points per game, and second among all guards (behind Michael Jordan of course).
Jerry West finished with career averages of 27.0 points per game, 5.8 rebounds, and 6.7 assists. Had West won a few more titles, he would easily be in the conversation for the best Laker ever, and even possibly the best player ever not named MJ. West appeared in 9 NBA finals, winning only one title in 1972.
Next: Magic Johnson