Paul George Demands Bill Russell-like Honor for Late Jerry West From the NBA

There won’t be too many people who have impacted the National Basketball Association like Jerry West. After all, he is ‘The Logo!’ So, it was with great sadness that the community came together when West’s death was announced on June 12, 2024. Many NBA top names from across generations and fans from around the world posted their condolences for the legend that he was. Needless to say, there were quite a few whose lives ‘Mr. Clutch’ touched deeply. And Paul George was one of them who highlighted the importance of him being “in so many storylines.”

In fact, PG dubbed West as the “NBA Father” to showcase the depth of his respect for the man. But he wasn’t done. In the latest episode of his Podcast P, George has a suggestion to the league. “I think the NBA should do him a solid, do the family a solid,” he said. Wondering what PG13’s idea of a solid is? “You gotta retire the number [44] league-wide.” The first-ever player the NBA extended this honor to was the Celtics legend, Bill Russell. The league retired his jersey, not just for his heroics on-court with the Boston franchise. The 5x MVP’s legendary status in the ‘Beantown’ and around the league is well-documented. Aside from Sam Jones, who was Russell’s Celtics teammate, no one has come close to Bill’s 11 championships during his 13-year career.

Not even the said Jones, who finished his NBA career with 10 rings, all with Boston. But Russell didn’t stop inside the basketball court. He was on the frontline when it came to sports and civil rights. A trailblazer when it came to racial mistreatment, the Hall of Famer always spoke up for the voiceless. The same can be said of Jerry West, too. As Paul George noted, he has impacted a lot of people and teams in his time with the league, in all the roles that he embodied, be it as a player, coach, or executive.

“He’s an icon to the game.”: Paul George cuts no corners in his regard to his ‘NBA Father’

“He’s an icon to the game. And he’s part of so many stories. So many storylines, franchises, dynasties that’s been built, from an executive, from a coach, from a player, you gotta do him a solid! ” George reiterated. There’s no wonder why Paul would feel so emphatically about doing right by the 9x champion (as an executive and player). When PG joined the NBA Countdown segment, he revealed that the Clippers executive board member and consultant was one of the very first few who welcomed him with “open arms.” 

In fact, a huge fan of Kobe Bryant himself, Jerry West was always ready to regale George with stories of the ‘Black Mamba’. And it wouldn’t be a stretch to say that the pair bonded over that. And from there, West has always been by his side, be it to encourage him or to give him a timely reminder. There is no doubt that there would be a lot of others in the NBA and outside who would have tales of the great Jerry West. And it really wouldn’t be shocking if Adam Silver does decide to honor ‘The Logo’ with a league-wide jersey retirement! Nobody would be in doubt about that.

What do you think of Paul George’s suggestion? And who else do you think is deserving of such an honor in the NBA league now? Let us know your thoughts!

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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