Jerry West - The NBA Logo Career Tribute (Version 1.1)

I'll be adding commentary and more clips to this periodically so be on the look out for other versions, but here is good chunk of Jerry West highlights.

Listed only 6-3 (though West claims he actually stood about 6-4.5") Jerry West was one of the most complete players to ever play the game. Possessing lightning quick reflexes and one of the purest shots of all time, Jerry West could pick apart any defense. He also put his impressive 6-9 wingspan to good use blocking shots and stealing passes at a very high rate. West could do it all. Today his image is seen everyday by millions as the silhouette of the NBA Logo - a symbol of his greatness.

[RaiderMel]

For everyone here that thinks he wouldn't be able to dribble today, you're wrong. He played in a time where your hand had to be on TOP of the ball. Anything on the side was illegal. In fact, most players today would have to tighten up their handle and not carry so much. And he was a deadly shooter and great denfender and competitor. No doubt we would be great today.

[WallTrapMedia]

Reasons why he'd be deadly in today's game and put up similar numbers in today's NBA's pace:
Jerry West was an exceptional two-way player which is rare in today's game:

West would be relisted as 6'3 in modern shoes with a FREAKISHLY long 6'9 wingspan which allowed him to touch the top of the square.



**Offense
1. Quickness and the ability to change pace.
2. Probably the BEST 1-2 midrange dribble pull-up jumpshots in the history of the game(including Jordan, Kobe, KD, and T-Mac).
3. Deadly turnaround jumper
4. Lethal fallaway jumper
5. Ability to finish with both hands at the rim
6. Perfect fundamentals (bank shots off the glass)
7. Pump fakes off the dribble (imagine this is where Jordan and Kobe got theirs from)
8. Knockdown shooter
9. Catch and shoot
-- High IQ playmaker
10. Ability to shoot off screens
11. Movement without the ball
12. Ability to drive and kick to open teammates (playmaker badge)
13. Throws perfect bounce passes to rim cutters
14. Zig zag crossover with the right hand(didn't need a right to left crossover to shake up defenders) but makes up for it with spin moves, behind the back dribbles and give and go
15. Protects the ball, nothing fancy, but very hard to rip, less turnover-prone which means, unlike Westbrook or Harden you want the ball in his hands in clutch moments.
16. 4th quarter takeover ability.

17. One of the top 5 clutch performers in NBA history


**Defense
18. High IQ defender, basically elite during his playing days.
19. Wants the ball on the defensive end more than anybody else
20. Plays tight, man-to-man defense
21.. Plays the passing lanes like a hawk( Iverson, Jordan, Scottie)
19. Ability to strip the ball from in front of the defender(Kahwi, Jordan, etc).
20. Chase down blocks(the LeBron of his era for guards).


I can't compare West to anybody in today's game. Offensively in terms of his size Steph, Kemba and Kyrie put up similar numbers in terms of points scored to assists ratio but one the defensive end he'd have no peer in today's game at his spot. West was all over the court on the defensive end which would probably make him the game's premier two way player at the SG position. I always put an emphasis on two-way players being the best because basketball is a two-way sport.

[bigchee]

Jerry West had the greatest pull up jumper EVER

[WiltChamberlainArchive]

West's pure jumper and clutch - 0:08 and on

West's hook-shots, dunks, layups, inside game - 5:41 and on

West's defense/steals/blocks - 9:30 and on

West's assists and teamwork - 12:54 and on

[johnnyreed]

I had a conversation with a fellow who ridiculously claimed that Jerry West and Oscar Robertson wouldn't succeed in today's game. That's insane! People just don't know just how good West was..

[Amick]

The sport and league owes Jerry thanks for an entire career well done. Same for his great teammate Elgin. BEST duo ever.

[morganlee]

Tremendous player. Such a well rounded skill set. One of the most dangerous shooters of all time. Could stop and pop on a dime as well as anyone. Utilized screens as well as anyone. Protected the ball as well as anyone. Was one of the best at playing out of the triple threat position. Was one of the clutchest performers ever. Was a fantastic defensive player. Could play both the point and 2 guard equally effectively.

You name it, he had it. A fundamental master.

[EKTELESTES]

People don't really understand just how difficult it is to stop those sudden perfect form jump shots, especially from a guy with such long arms.

[masonrahal]

If anyone thinks Jerry West wouldn’t be a top 10 player today, you don’t know NBA Basketball.

[soundautomatic]

I like watching JW to see the later influence on Jordan.   Jordan really was a taller, springier version of this guy, with a bit of Dr. J tossed in for theatrics (read: dunks).  But the bread and butter move of West really was the bread and butter move of Jordan.  You can see why he was often compared to West coming out of college.

[WisdomTruth]

WOW. This is dope. Jerry had a wide range of moves. And Chick Hearn calling his first games when the Logo was a Laker in those blue laker unis hes the logo for a reason

[markthomas]

Only player from a losing team to be named the Finals MVP.

[RecruitingJunkie]

There aren't but maybe 5 players in today's NBA who get into their shot as quick as West did. 

[dhui]

Jerry West was one of the main reasons why the Lakers were such a successful franchise. He was a great player and has always been a great executive. He plays an important role in the success of Golden State Warriors today.

[Getdown]

Jerry west is one of my all-time favorite players. This man succeeds in everything he does…literally. Had ice in his veins, lived for those moments at the end of games, played both sides of the ball at the highest levels and was a class act. What ur peers think of u says a lot and Mr. Jerry west was that guy.

[TheJesseGladSaget]

I had to come back to this video. Great, great stuff. It's a travesty that this channel only has 68K subs. This is one the dopest channels in YT history. Salute!

[chocolatecitygemini]

West was give n all of those HOFamers WERK!!

The "Big O" Oscar Robertson, Sam Jones, Walt Frazier, Bill Russell, Dave Cowens you name em he was put n
in werk!!

🗣In the lane, at the foul line, top of the key, base line, shooting15 and 20 footers, all over the court, mid range jumpers, shoot n that rock from downtown, at the top of the key.

Break n my Soul Bruhs down with the dribble, finger rolls, lay ups off the dribble.

West was pat n that rock as he blew by defensive ace Walt Clyde Frazier several times.

They were hand check n West, body n him up and those jumpers were still hit n NOTHING BUT NET.

🗣West was a 6'3 White B do n werk like Larry Bird would do years later.

Much respect for the Great and LEGITIMATE HOF Jerry West.
For Real 💯
🗣♊️👤Rising

[zyxwut]

Best and purest mid-range jumper in the history of basketball. Technically perfect, lightning release and nearly unblockable. Every young player should learn from it.

[baroh]

Jerry West would succeed in any era. His basics were second to none. His midrange shooting is the best i've ever seen. Jordan copied it

[brandonterzic]

more I watch videos of this guy, the more I realize that he was amazing. Him and Oscar could have played in todays game and played great.