(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
On Wednesday morning, it was announced that NBA legend Jerry West had passed away at the age of 86 years old.
This wasn’t just a big loss for the NBA; it was an massive one.
During his many years in the NBA, West was both a Hall-of-Fame player and executive who guided many teams to greatness.
On “Get Up,” Brian Windhorst spoke about West’s legacy, saying, “The NBA is the place it is today because of Jerry West.”
“He’s a foundational core of the league for 60-plus years,” Windhorst added, via a video shared by Awful Announcing.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst on the passing of Jerry West: “The NBA is the place it is today because of Jerry West. That’s not a passing comment. He’s a foundational core of the league for 60-plus years.” pic.twitter.com/JsRvqV6VZV
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 12, 2024
West spent his 14 years playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, earning an All-Star selection for every season and becoming the only player to earn Finals MVP while losing a championship.
His legacy is about more than his average of 27 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 6.7 assists.
Following his retirement from playing, West remained very close to the league and was an executive with several teams.
Through the 1980s, 1990s, and even 2000s, West still had a huge voice in the league.
He was part of the Lakers during the Kobe Bryant-Shaquille O’Neal era, helped the Golden State Warriors become who they are as a reliable advisor, and even helped the Los Angeles Clippers during the last years of his life.
With his ample amount of expertise, experience, and great insight, West was beloved and trusted by just about everyone in the league.
Looking back at West’s legacy, it is clear that he loved basketball so much and dedicated his life to it.
Windhorst said the NBA wouldn’t be what it is today if it weren’t for West and it’s very hard to argue with that.
The post Brian Windhorst Reacts To The Passing Of Jerry West appeared first on The Cold Wire.