Michael Jordan releases statement on the passing of NBA legend Jerry West

Michael Jordan releases statement on the passing of NBA legend Jerry West originally appeared in NBC Sports Chicago

Presented by National Insurance Agent Jeff Vukovich

Greatness knows greatness.

And the depth of Michael Jordan’s statement honoring NBA legend Jerry West following the news of West’s passing on Wednesday shows the appreciation Jordan had for his fellow Hall of Famer.

West, who rose from humble beginnings in West Virginia to star for the Los Angeles Lakers as a player, coach and executive and had a significant impact on other franchises and across the league, was 86 years old.

“I am deeply saddened by the news of Jerry’s passing. He was truly a friend and mentor – like a big brother to me,” Jordan’s statement said. “I valued your friendship and knowledge. I always wished I could have played against him as a competitor, but the more I got to know him, I wish I could have been his teammate.

“I admired his insights into basketball and he and I share many similarities in the way we approach the game. We will miss him forever! My condolences to his wife, Karen, and his children. RIP, Soon.”

West’s legendary basketball resume, in fact, involves the league’s logo being created in his likeness. West was on nine championship teams (one as a player, eight as an executive), earned 14 All-Star Game berths, 10 first-team All-NBA selections and two NBA Executive of the Year awards.

Legendary Los Angeles Lakers broadcaster Chick Hearn nicknamed him “Mr. Clutch” for his propensity for hitting big shots. And his legendary competitiveness actually seemed to match Jordan’s.

But Jordan acknowledging how he and West viewed the game similarly made Jordan’s “what if” all the more intriguing. Seeing Jordan and West as teammates would bring a smile to any NBA fan’s face.

Jordan, of course, isn’t the only NBA heavyweight to recognize West’s impact. Jerry Reinsdorf, Hall of Famer and president of the Chicago Bulls, called West “NBA royalty” in his statement.

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of my longtime friend and colleague, Jerry West,” Reinsdorf’s statement began. “On behalf of the Chicago Bulls, I extend our deepest condolences and condolences to Jerry’s wife, Karen, his family and NBA fans everywhere who have suffered an immeasurable loss. I treasure my many times with Jerry West, benefiting from his devotion and respect for and knowledge of the game.

“Jerry West was NBA royalty and personified basketball perhaps more than anyone involved in the game. While he wasn’t the leading scorer, he still holds the record for the highest scoring average in a playoff series. He wasn’t the strongest, fastest or biggest, but ultimately he is identified with the game like the silhouette of the NBA logo. In many ways, Jerry West was basketball.

“His love and passion for the game resonated with every fan. Jerry suffered disappointment and frustration when his beloved Los Angeles Lakers lost six consecutive times in the NBA Finals. Despite this, he became the only NBA player to be named Finals MVP after a loss. With the resilient spirit that defined him, stemming from his humble West Virginia roots, he came back time and time again, even against my childhood team, the New York Knicks, and I found myself rooting for him, eventually leading his Lakers. to success. One of my most enduring basketball memories is his famous 60-foot shot to force overtime in Game 3 of the 1970 Finals. His range of interests and knowledge of the game made him one of the best executives in NBA history.

LeBron James, in a post on his social media feed, called West a “mentor” and “friend” and expressed his hope to “continue to make (West) proud.”

Pau Gasol, who played for the Memphis Grizzlies when West served as an executive there, also offered a moving tribute on his social media feed.

West will be posthumously enshrined as a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame for the third time this fall, honoring his work as an executive with a contributor nod. He joined as a player in 1979 and as a member of the gold medal-winning 1960 U.S. Olympic team in 2010.

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