Jerry West was about 18 when he joined the NBA after battling through troubles to emerge as one of the better drafts of 1960. In the next 14 years and beyond, he established himself as one of the brightest basketball minds, making it to the finals 9 times as a player and building notable dynasties for the Los Angeles Lakers as a GM. But West’s most cherished feat remained in the demeanor he carried around. As he bids goodbye today, aged 86, Charles Barkley arrives as one among the thousands to point that out.

Barkley, who made a live appearance ahead of game 3 between the Mavericks and the Celtics, shared a heartfelt note on West’s impact on the many lives in the NBA. He said, “You had to learn about his life as a player through highlights and through conversations, but man you just talk about a great man to be around. It’s been a rough week between him and Bill Walton. It’s been a rough week for our NBA family.” Portland Trailblazers legend Bill Walton passed away just two weeks ago due to cancer, at the age of 71. 

Reminiscing about West further, the Philadelphia 76ers icon continued, “The world is not as good as it was yesterday. The world was a better place with Mr. West being in it, and man this is a tough one man.” Barkley was hard on his feelings. 

West has changed the careers of many players. He worked as an executive for the Los Angeles Lakers for 21 years, from 1979-2000. He played a huge part in bringing Kobe Bryant to the purple and yellow unit when he was just graduating from college, and later Shaquille O’Neal from the Orlando Magic.

He was an executive for the Golden State Warriors when the franchise won their first-ever NBA title. West then joined the Clippers in 2017 and continued till the present season. West contributed to the game, for 50 years after his retirement, and all these years, he has been a great human.

Charles Barkley shares how Jerry West is different from other retired legends

Players from the early 70s and 80s would never mince their words when it comes to criticizing the players of the current generation. Also, it was not easy to get close to them. However, West was fond of the players who came into the NBA and wanted to be a good friend to them, to help and guide them.

Barkley shared, “When you meet some of the legends, some of them are different. Some of them are bitter and angry. But some of them are so amazing, like Jerry to me…the older guys, who just so want to help the young guys prosper. What a good man and we’re going to miss him,” as he struggled to add more words, overcome by emotions.

Jerry West was one of the most competitive in the league back then. He rode the wave, as an icon already, to guide the younger generation on the right path. Shaq, Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Klay Thompson, and numerous more, shine as a brighter example of his actions, on or off the court, each greatful for his presence.