Jerry West was a brilliant basketball player. But he was an even more terrific NBA executive! Looking at his playing career makes one wonder if it was some kind of star-crossed love. For a man of such capability, his resume as a player should have been adorned with more titles than the sole win in 1972. After two years, the Lakers legend decided it was time to retire from the on-court activities. But that was just the beginning of another legacy. The 14 years’ worth of his time with the Purple & Gold prepared West for this moment.

We all know the great 1980s Lakers dynasty, more popularly known as the Showtime era. And the man behind it was none other than ‘Mr. Clutch’. His ability to recognize talent where others saw little to nothing and put together a winning team was beyond the capabilities of anyone the world had seen. Notably, Stephen Curry was among those who benefitted from his direction and guidance, decades later. As the 2x NBA Executive of the Year passed away at 86 on June 12, 2024, Curry dedicated a few words in his honor.

“The Logo,” followed by the praying hands emoji. “Forever grateful to know him and be in his presence. Helped the entire world of basketball in so many ways and his legacy will live on forever. Thank you. RIP.” However, what’s their connection?

When new owners Joe Lacob and Peter Guber hired him in 2011 to help them out of a tough spot, West did exactly that. As soon as Jerry West walked into the Warriors, it was a given that he would restore the dynasty to its former glory. In fact, Guber, as per The Athletic’s Tim Kawakami, famously described the hiring as the Warriors’ “cover of darkness”.

Kawakami further explained, “If you have West on your team, nobody was ever going to challenge your grander logic or your commitment to winning.” Everyone who knew the man will understand the truth of these words. West’s presence warranted respect of the highest form. It didn’t matter if you were the NBA Commissioner or the franchise owner. As such, his words carried weight.

Though not directly involved in personnel decision-making, it was a given that there was a Jerry West imprint on all the choices of the teams he was involved with. And a major part of it was about players.

Jerry West understood Stephen Curry before many could!

Although Steph arrived in the Golden State two years before West’s entry, the Davidson product hadn’t gone unnoticed by the late Hall of Famer. An unbelievable coincidence saw the former 14x All-Star give his input on the Splash Brothers’ future, on June 12, 2014 – exactly 10 years before his passing away! Sitting down with Jim Kozimor of the then Comcast SportsNet Bay Area, West declared Stephen Curry to be “one of the most unique players” he’s ever seen in this league.

“He’s unique in the sense that you look at him, [and] he’s not one of these big, strong guys. … He’s got a wide following in the league. It’s going to get greater,” West had foretold with his surefire conviction. Any disagreements? We thought so.

Handpicked by ‘The Logo’ himself, Klay Thompson was another player who enjoyed West’s confidence. At one point, Jerry even threatened to quit the Warriors if they traded him for Kevin Love before the 2014-15 season! In hindsight, that was a very good decision, seeing as how the Splash Brothers became the core that ran the Warriors until this season.

Jerry West was truly a legend of the highest order. Everyone who came in contact with him was better off after meeting him. Wouldn’t you say?

But before you go, be sure to check this video of Leonardo Armato’s take on Caitlin Clark vs Angel Reese.

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