NBA champion, former Memphis Grizzlies general manager Jerry West, dies at 86
Former Memphis Grizzlies general manager and NBA legend Jerry West passed away on Wednesday morning at 86. NBA legend and former Memphis Grizzlies general manager, Jerry West, has passed away at 86, according to the Los Angeles Clippers. Known for his successful basketball career, West was known for his extensive contributions to the team, winning an NBA title and nine finals appearances as a player and coach. He also had a successful front office career, winning eight championships as an executive with various teams including the Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors, and Clippers. West's legacy is largely due to his work in the front office, particularly in developing the "Showtime Lakers" and their dynasty run in the 1980s. He retired from coaching in 2000 after a successful run with the Lakers, but returned to the Grizzlies in 2002.
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NBA legend and former Memphis Grizzlies general manager Jerry West has passed away at 86, the Los Angeles Clippers announced on Wednesday morning.
The Naismith basketball hall of famer is remembered for having a storied basketball career in every facet of the game. He thrived as a player, where he won an NBA title and made nine finals appearances. He then went on to coach the Los Angeles Lakers before transitioning to a front office career with them, the Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors and Clippers.
"Jerry West, the personification of basketball excellence and a friend to all who knew him, passed away peacefully this morning at the age of 86," the Clippers statement read. "His wife, Karen, was by his side."
West will mostly be remembered as a front office executive for his work in crafting the "Showtime Lakers" and their dynasty run in the 1980s, but locally, he helped bring a winning attitude to Memphis.
After a successful run with the Lakers until 2000, West retired before returning to basketball and joining the Grizzlies in 2002. He wanted the challenge and building a franchise into a winner, and that's what he did in Memphis.
The Grizzlies went 28-54 during 2002-03 season before West turned the franchise around. He hired Hubie Brown, who led Memphis to a 50-32 record the following season.
Brown was named the NBA's Coach of the Year in 2004, and West won his second Executive of the Year Award. Memphis went on to have three more winning seasons before West retired again in 2007.
West finished his playing career as a 14-time all-star and was named a member of the NBA's 35th, 50th and 75th anniversary teams. He won eight championships as an executive: six with the Lakers and two with the Warriors.
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at [email protected]. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Former Grizzlies GM, NBA champion Jerry West dies at 86
المواضيع: Basketball, In Memoriam, NBA, Memphis Grizzlies