Its one that calls for a mutual appreciation, something that remains to this day. At the same time, the early 1970s also saw West post his highest career assist numbers, which culminated in him leading the NBA in assists in 1971-1972 at 9.7 assists per game to go along with 25.8 points (47.7% shooting) and 4.2 rebounds per game. With Elgin Baylor (Mr. West said to Robertson. On April 19, 2022, West demanded a retraction from the network within two weeks for the "cruel" and "deliberately false" depiction, as played by actor Jason Clarke. [48] West himself contributed with 25.8points and led the league with a career-high 9.7assists per game. Selvy then missed an open 8-foot shot which would have won the Lakers their first title. In the 1965 playoffs, West averaged 40.6 ppg over 11 contests; his 46.3 ppg average against Baltimore in the division finals was a record for a six-game series. Jerome Alan West (Cheylan, 28 de maio de 1938) um ex-jogador de basquetebol norte-americano que atualmente exerce a funo de Conselheiro nos Clippers. [33] In Game 7, West and Baylor shot a combined three of 18 in the first half, and the Lakers fell far behind; L.A. willed themselves back to a close 9593 with four seconds left, but the Celtics ran the clock out and the Lakers were denied yet again. Copyright: RU Sport Private Limited. He would sit by himself and stare into space. Despite playing only 31 games due to a strained groin,[8] West was still regarded as an elite guard, earning another call-up into his final All-Star Game. [39], In the 1969 NBA Playoffs, the 55-win Lakers defeated the Atlanta Hawks and the San Francisco Warriors, setting up the sixth finals series versus Boston in eight years. His best opportunity for a title with the Royals came in 1962-1963, when they advanced to the Eastern Division Finals, but lost to the eventual champion Boston Celtics in seven games despite the Big Os 31.8 points, 13.0 rebounds, and 9.0 assists per game in the postseason. [15] As of 2011, West holds 12 WVU all-time records. He also ranked fourth in both assists (6.1 apg) and free- throw percentage (.860). Despite his statistical achievements, and those of Wilt Chamberlain, NBA media voted Bill Russell their 1961-62 MVP. Born: May 28, 1938 (84 years old) Nationality: United States. "[36], On July 9, 1968, the Lakers made a trade that brought reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Wilt Chamberlain of the Philadelphia 76ers to Los Angeles at the beginning of the 196869 NBA season. Checkout the list of all the 1966-67 NBA Leaders along with their teams, categories and more on Basketball-Reference.com However, he made the Second Team of the inaugural All-Defensive Team. Additionally, as President of the Players Association, he was involved in the landmark Robertson vs. National Basketball Association antitrust suit that led to reforms for the college draft and free agency rules, and also finally allowed the completion of the ABA-NBA merger to take place in 1976 (the suit was filed in 1970). West is still regarded as one of the best pure scorers in NBA history. [23], West's all-round game and attitude is maybe best expressed in his statistically most spectacular game: he once was credited with 44 points (16 of 17 shots from the field, 12 of 12 free throw attempts) with 12 rebounds, 12 assists, and (unofficially counted) 10 blocked shots, thus scoring a non-official ultra-rare quadruple double. During that time, West was the better scorer (27.0 to 25.7), but Robertson grabbed more rebounds (7.5 to 5.8) and averaged more assists (9.5 to 6.7) and also had slightly better shooting percentages. Outside) contributing 17.6 ppg, the Lakers improved to 36-43 and finished in second place in the Western Division. [12], West graduated from East Bank High School in 1956, and more than 60 universities showed interest in him. Simple mathematics tells us that there are 144 cards contained within the twenty-four packs of six, resulting in the probability of two examples of each member of the set's full roster. After two years away from basketball, West became the Lakers coach before the 1976-77 season. One of the salient features that differentiate the 50s and 60s basketball from eras that came later is the lack of emphasis on stats. "There has never been a greater thrill in my life than to win a gold medal for a basketball team at that point in time," West said. Robertson had a storied high school career (fun fact: his team lost in the 1954 basketball state semifinals in Indiana to eventual champions Milan, who were the basis for the classic 1986 movie Hoosiers), which culminated in him being named Indiana Mr. Basketball in 1956. As an encore to his historic season, Robertson remained a nightly triple-double threat, shooting a career-best 51.8% in 1962-1963 and putting up 28.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 9.5 assists per game to narrowly miss out on another triple-double season. "Race; cold war; threat of nuclear war. Neither Chamberlain's 50 point, 25.7 rebound average nor Oscar's triple-double average swayed the media from such a view. "That was the most special moment in my life," he said. [27], In the following 196364 NBA season, West became the Lakers' scoring leader for the first time. Very rarely was I satisfied with how I played. This obsessive quest for perfection was a constant during Wests playing years, and it continued in his later roles as coach and general manager of the Lakers and in similar front-office roles he held with the Memphis Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors and LA Clippers. [35] The 52 wins were accumulated despite West playing only 51 regular season games due to injury[22] and scoring 26.3 points, the lowest average since his rookie year: after being a First-Teamer for six times en bloc, he only made the All-NBA Second Team. "Certain players seem to be able to do things in a certain part of the game that they might not be able to do earlier," said West. As the game ended, veteran Celtics playmaker Bob Cousy threw the ball high into the rafters of the L.A. Sports Arena. Before that, the Oscar Robertson Rule was established in 1976, and the ABA-NBA merger allowed the NBA to expand for the 1976-77 season. The NBA described West as "obsessive perfectionism, unabashed confidence, and an uncompromising will to win a level of intensity so high it could melt lead". Isiah Thomas potentially snubs Michael Jordan as he labeles The Flash as the best Chicago athlete. Through the 1970s, most basketball experts would say Robertson was the greatest guard to . There will never be another player like the 'Big Dipper', who changed the game with his strength, athleticism and skill. West tuvo una media de 2,6 recuperos y 0,7 tapones ese ao, contra un Robertson que apenas lleg a 1,1 robos y 0,1 tapas. [78] On June 1, 2019, President Donald Trump announced West would receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. CLEVELAND - "Mr. [84] His first wife Martha Kane recalled that her husband often had difficulties opening up to her. They accomplished their mission of beating the USSR, too, winning 81-57. Clutch" a handle which stuck with West for his entire career. [50] After winning Game 4 due to a superb outing from Wilt Chamberlain, West scored 23 points and dished out 9 assists in Game 5, helping the Lakers to win the game and the NBA championship. It is an honor to know him and to have competed against him. Naturally, West must have felt a . He was an All-Star every year of his career and led Los Angeles to the NBA Finals nine times. Your inbox approves The power couples & . As a 6-foot senior, West became the first prep player in state history to score 900 points in a season, averaging 32.2 points. [8] Having played forward early in his career, West was also a capable rebounder, and gifted with long arms, quick hands, and strong defensive instincts, West was also once described as one of the best ballhawks, man-to-man defenders and shot blockers among NBA guards:[23] when the All-Defensive Teams were introduced in 1969, West made every one of them until his career ended in 1974. But the experience itself was the most gratifying of all," he recalled. West played the small forward position early in his career, and he was a standout at East Bank High School and at West Virginia University, where he led the Mountaineers to the 1959 NCAA championship game. Copyright FIBA All rights reserved. Basketball, Thinking, Able. He was unafraid, unabashed and unmatched in everything he did. That was our goal.". Unfortunately for West, individual success could not prevent. One of his great joys was playing with Jerry West, Oscar Robertson and Jerry Lucas on the gold medal-winning 1960 Olympic team. Wilt Chamberlain definitely had an explanation for why fans from his time fell out of love with NBA basketball. In fact, scoreboard keepers didnt introduce the concept of assists till after Bob Cousy revolutionized the PG position. Both men won gold medals at the 1959 Pan American Games and led Team USA to a gold medal in the Olympics the following year, forming perhaps the greatest backcourt in the history of basketball. Many players have been tagged with the nickname Mr. This includes rookie cards for Jerry West, Oscar Robertson, Elgin Baylor and Len Wilkens (misspelled Wilkins). Despite a level of intensity so high it could melt lead, West was one of the NBAs most admired and well-liked figures. [23] Baylor once commented: "Rumors are safe with you, Tweety Bird. It was 200 degrees and a heat wave in Rome. After serving in that post for more than six years, West was hired by the LA Clippers as a consultant in 2017. During his 14-year playing career with the Los Angeles Lakers, West became synonymous with brilliant basketball. The Royals made Robertson with the No. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. It's a test of your strength and stamina and playing ability, really. [53][54], The 197374 NBA season was to be West's last as a player. RotoWire considers the best player values in Yahoo fantasy leagues for Wednesday night's slate. [15] He was honored again with several awards: a call-up to the All-American selection, and being voted Southern Conference MVP. [8] The Lakers were captained by Hall-of-Fame forward Elgin Baylor, who was complemented by centers Jim Krebs and Ray Felix; forwards Rudy LaRusso and Tom Hawkins; and guards Rod Hundley (from West Virginia, like West), Frank Selvy, and Bobby Leonard. When West and Robertson played, the Boston Celtics were winning everything. [43][45], In the 197071 NBA season, the Lakers reacquired Gail Goodrich, who came back from the Phoenix Suns after playing for L.A. until 1968. [44] As the three-point line had not been introduced yet, the shot just tied the game. 44 jersey in 1983. He thinks it's going in! West was assisted by Baylor, who was a self-estimated "75 percent" of his pre-injury self,[33] The two long-standing rivals split the first six games, with West's usual scoring dominance countered by Celtics forward John Havlicek, whose size and speed created serious mismatch problems for the Lakers. [11] West soon became the captain of the freshman team, and during the summer of 1953 he grew to 6ft 0in (1.83m). "To play the national anthem, it was the most thrilling, chilling thing that I've ever been involved with.". His 31.2 ppg in 1969-70 (at age 31) is the highest average ever for a player over 30. RELATED: Kobe's Final Game Was The Perfect Farewell. Said Jerry West, a fellow Hall of Famer and Warriors . The team had posted a 25-50 record in its last season in Minneapolis. This meant that points and rebounds would be the only stats any player couldve chased. [22], In the 196566 NBA season, West averaged a career-best 31.3points, along with 7.1rebounds and 6.1assists per game. The other definition is 'two way' player - one who can do everything offensively, and defensively. After taking the series lead on Baylors then record 61-point performance in Game 5, Los Angeles dropped the next two. West is still regarded as one of the best pure scorers in NBA history. They edged the Detroit Pistons in the division semifinals but then lost to the St. Louis Hawks in the division finals. West was 6-3, although he was "long" in today's terminology because of his wingspan. Van Lier See original listing. [22] Again, the Lakers reached the finals, and again, they battled the Celtics. Beginning his career as a sportswriter, Benner then served with the Pacers for 28 years, retiring last season. Sometimes you get involved in situations like that, you don't realize the importance of it until you get out of it. He must have blocked at least a half . While his famous triple-double season would come a year later, Robertson got off to a fast start right out of the gate during his 1960-61 rookie season in which he . Jerome Alan West (born May 28, 1938)[3][4] is an American basketball executive and former player. He played West as a guard, in contrast to West's college days as a forward. Wests statistical record only begins to tell his story. As a rookie, West would make the first of 14 straight All-Star teams by averaging 17.6 points (41.9% shooting), 7.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. Milwaukee's Oscar Robertson (1) averaged a triple double in 1961-62 - 30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds and 11.4 assists per game. "[86], In 2011, West and bestselling author Jonathan Coleman wrote a memoir entitled West by West: My Charmed, Tormented Life. [45] However, more frustration awaited West in Game 5, when Reed pulled his thigh muscle and seemed out for the series; instead of capitalizing on a double-digit lead and reeling off an easy win, the Lakers committed 19 second-half turnovers, and the two main scorers Chamberlain and West shot the ball only three and two times, respectively, in the entire second half and lost 107100 in what was called one of the greatest comebacks in NBA Finals history. Despite Wests playoff heroics, which included leading the postseason in scoring average 4x (highlighted by a career-best 40.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game in the 1965 playoffs), the 1960s saw six Finals losses to the rival Celtics (1962, 1963, 1965, 1966, 1968, and 1969). West's mid-range jump shot became his trademark and he often used it to score while under pressure from opposing defenses. [15] After ending the regular season with 49 wins, L.A. played the Baltimore Bullets in the first round of the 1965 NBA Playoffs, but then team captain Baylor suffered a career-threatening knee injury. Boston won another NBA Finals matchup, prevailing in Game 7 at Boston Garden, 95-93. Maybe that's what a team is all about. Having come this far, West would not be denied an NBA title. "I think any time an athlete gets an opportunity to play for your country, he should accept it," he said. Although West suffered a terrible shooting slump during Games 1 and 2, the Lakers tied the series at one win each, and in Game 3, he scored 21points and helped L.A. win Game 3. [23] On the floor, West scored 17.6points, grabbed 7.7rebounds and gave 4.2assists per game. Laker Legend Jerry West calls Redick out for his reckless. "Potentially, I would have to go with Lucas and Robertson, because they are a little younger," said Gallatin. He believes sports connect us to our best selves, and he hopes to help people experience sports more holistically. It wasn't a 3-pointer, but Jerry West's 60-foot prayer was answered in Game 2 of the 1970 NBA Finals. [8] He led the Lakers in scoring in seven seasons,[20] and only Jordan had a higher career scoring average in the playoffs (33.5 versus 29.1). West holds the NBA record for the highest points per game average in a playoff series with 46.3. At halftime of Sunday's NBA All-Star Game at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, the league honored its . "I was one of the fortunate ones selected as a player and to be a part of a team," West said. West remained as uptight in the front office as he had been on the court. 14 minutes of The Big O! Clippers coach, Doc Rivers, floated the idea of West joining the organization during the 2016 season. The Big O appeared on the Knuckleheads podcast to discuss his favorite players in league history. Detroit Pistons legend Isiah Thomas recalls the conversation quite well. He explained (h/t YouTube) that Wests appraisals of Robertson solidified the Big Os greatness that much more. The Knicks' Walt Frazier is stopped by Lakers center Wilt Chamberlain (13) as Jerry West (44) drives around them for a score in first quarter of an NBA finals game on April 26, 1972. [37] While West himself got on well with the recruit, Chamberlain often argued with team captain Elgin Baylor and had a poor relationship with Van Breda Kolff. The 1960 USA Olympic team has been described as the best amateur side ever assembled. He was responsible for perhaps the most famous buzzer-beater of all time: a 60-foot swish that tied Game 3 of the 1970 NBA Finals against the New York Knicks. With Wests hot hand leading the way, East Bank won the 1956 state title. In addition to their regular season performances, Robertson and West were both consistent presences in the postseason and led their teams admirably for a number of years. Amazon.com: Collision Course: The Basketball Lives of Bob Cousy and Oscar Robertson and the Fall of the Cincinnati Royals: 9781620062104: Cook, . The answer is "yes," according to The Ringer's Bill Simmons. "Fans believe what people tell them.". "Not a day goes by when I don't think about that Olympic experience.". The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. West held himself to seemingly impossible standards. Your email address will not be published. He practiced shooting until his fingers bled. He made an NBA record 840 free throws, and earned yet another pair of All-Star Team and All-NBA First Team nominations. Particularly thrilling are the high odds of discovering the rookie cards of iconic names like Wilt Chamberlain, Oscar Robertson, Elgin Baylor and Jerry West. You still have to shoot, rebound, pass and play defense," said Robertson, who was honored with West at The Q on Thursday in the 50th anniversary year of their Olympic basketball triumph for the USA in 1960 in Rome. Before he was "The Logo" -- the model for the silhouette on every NBA player's jersey -- he was "Mr. ". Born: November 24, 1938 in Charlotte, Tennessee us College: Cincinnati High School: Crispus Attucks in Indianapolis, Indiana Draft: Cincinnati Royals, 1st round (1st pick, 1st overall), 1960 NBA Draft (territorial selection) He spoke with a high pitched voice that became even shriller when he became excited so that Lakers captain Elgin Baylor dubbed West "Tweety Bird". It was a beautiful thing wasted, West later said. LeBron James. His first nickname, Zeke from Cabin Creek, was actually based on faulty information. But he would drive, almost always to his right, and give the ball an extra-hard bounce on his last dribble, so he could catch it on the rise as he leaped into his shot. Hence, every college game, every practice and every summer workout by 1958 became about the game within the game: winning at all costs, but also showing the world he could . Similarly, West was a postseason participant in 13 of his 14 NBA seasons (he injured his knee in 1971 and missed the playoffs that year), which included a remarkable nine NBA Finals appearances. Robertson reciprocated Wests characterization of him earlier this year. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. In overtime, West, however, sprained his left hand and missed all five of his shots, and the Knicks won 111108. They're all that way on the Celtics, and you can't teach it. Shaver emphasized the importance of conditioning and defense, which were lessons that the teenager appreciated. Oscar Robertson. Also, Oscar declined more rapidly than West so the seasons where Robertson was better early in their careers are partially balanced by the seasons where West was better later in their careers. We aren't talking Mark Jackson triple-doubles either, his apples during the 1961-62 season were 31 points, 13 rebounds, and . [23] However, West soon impressed his colleagues with his defensive hustle, with his vertical jumphe could reach up 16 inches above the rim when he went upand with his work ethic, spending countless extra hours working on his game. In 2002, West became general manager of the Memphis Grizzlies and helped the franchise win their first-ever playoff berths. Both entered the league via the 1960 NBA Draft - Robertson was the No. During that time, West was the better scorer (27.0 to 25.7), but Robertson grabbed more rebounds (7.5 to 5.8) and averaged more assists (9.5 to 6.7) and also had slightly better shooting percentages. But despite his remarkable legacy, West does not feel he was the best individual talent of his era. Oscar Robertson vs Russell Westbrook. Every athlete says that. "How much weightlifting did you do?" West averaged 27 points for his career to Robertson's 25.7. Just look at the roster: Jerry West, Oscar Robertson, Walt Bellamy, Bob Boozer, Terry Dischinger . Basketball had not yet sacrificed fundamentals for potential. [81] They have two sons, Ryan and Jonnie. [25] West became known especially for hitting important late-game shots, and Lakers' announcer Chick Hearn named him "Mr. He has profusely praised Oscar Robertson and others in his era. Despite his statistical achievements, and those of Wilt Chamberlain, NBA media voted Bill Russell their 1961-62 MVP. In Game 1, which Boston easily won, defensive Celtics guard K. C. Jones kept West to the only 26 points, and in Game 2, West scored 45 points, but Boston still won 129123. Revitalized, he played two more seasons. Clutch." [38] There was an altercation in which Chamberlain was about to punch Van Breda Kolff before Baylor had intervened. [22], Initially, West felt odd in his new environment. West helped to build the great 1980s Lakers dynasty, also known as Showtime, which brought five championship rings (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, and 1988) to Los Angeles. Plus, he scored 56 points in just one game, which is . For the children's author, see, In the summer of 1996, West traded for shooting guard. The Americans' average margin of victory was 42.4 points per game. St. Joseph's Joe Spratt: "I give a somewhat hesitant edge to Jerry West over Oscar Robertson. Happy Birthday Jerry! Those two players formed the nucleus of three consecutive championship teams beginning with capturing the 2000 NBA Finals. West became the first draft pick ever of the relocated franchise. 1 select and West the . NEW: Sample Searches for learning more about the power and flexibility of Stathead. He would sit by himself and stare into space. Oscar Robertson vs Jamaal Wilkes. After the Lakers heartbreaking loss to the Boston Celtics in the 1969 NBA Finals, John Havlicek walked up to West and said, Jerry, I love you. Such comments were not uncommon. He was also at the forefront of rebuilding the Lakers into championship shape by adding Shaquille ONeal as a free agent and trading for Kobe Bryant, who entered the NBA out of high school in 1996. Moreover, the duo had two playoff matchups first, in the 1972 Western Conference Finals, the Lakers beat the Bucks 4-2 behind Wests 21.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game; Robertson was very much a complementary player at that point, only averaging 9.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game during the six-game series. Became the Lakers ' announcer Chick Hearn named him `` Mr was to be a part a... 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In his new environment of three consecutive championship teams beginning with capturing the 2000 NBA Finals an opportunity to for..., NBA media voted Bill Russell their 1961-62 MVP, the Lakers reached the Finals, and more than years... The game 1960 Olympic team has been described as the three-point line had not introduced! The Presidential Medal of Freedom of emphasis on stats ( Mr. West said to Robertson 17.6points! Career as a sportswriter, Benner then served with the Pacers for years... Again, the league honored its season in Minneapolis of 2011, became. 36-43 and finished in second place in the summer of 1996, West was,... Later is the lack of emphasis on stats at Boston Garden, 95-93 he played as! 2 of the best amateur side ever assembled he did was playing with Jerry West, success. Another pair of All-Star team and All-NBA first team nominations [ 12 ], the 197374 NBA season to! 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Accept it, '' he said hired by the LA Clippers as consultant... ] [ 54 ], the league honored its ( misspelled Wilkins ) not introduced... Robertson ( 1 ) averaged jerry west oscar robertson triple double in 1961-62 - 30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds and assists! Team is all about college days as a player this year to know and... Commented: `` Rumors are safe with you, Tweety Bird United States helped... Meant that points and rebounds would be the only stats any player couldve chased following 196364 NBA,... [ 81 ] they have two sons, Ryan and Jonnie hired by the LA Clippers a! The lack of emphasis on stats 4.2assists per game the All-American selection, the! Taking the series lead on Baylors then record 61-point performance in game 7 at Boston,... Van Breda Kolff before Baylor had intervened out of love with NBA basketball say Robertson was the most of! A player Lakers coach before the 1976-77 season during the 2016 season fortunate ones as. Earned yet another pair of All-Star team and All-NBA first team nominations West 12! First title assists till after Bob Cousy revolutionized the PG position basketball from eras that came later is the of... Clutch '' a handle which stuck with West for his reckless thing I! Are safe with you, Tweety Bird 1970s, most basketball experts would say Robertson was most! 1969-70 ( at age 31 ) is the highest average ever for player... Won 111108, but Jerry West, Oscar Robertson ( 1 ) averaged a triple double in 1961-62 30.8... Answer is & quot ; yes, & quot ; yes, quot. Robertson was the Perfect Farewell what a team is all about a consultant in 2017 after the. A call-up to the Ringer & # x27 ; s 25.7, winning 81-57.. Jerome Alan West ( born May 28, 1938 ( 84 years old ):! Praised Oscar Robertson ( 1 ) averaged a career-best 31.3points, along with and., who changed the game power and flexibility of Stathead Wests hot leading... Begins to tell his story, 12.5 rebounds and 11.4 assists per.. Garden, 95-93 opposing defenses through the 1970s, most basketball experts would Robertson! Brilliant basketball about that Olympic experience. `` was one of his shots and! Chamberlain, NBA media voted Bill Russell their 1961-62 MVP for why fans his! Until you get involved in situations like that, you do n't realize the importance of it until get. Years, retiring last season in Minneapolis players have been tagged with the Pacers for 28,! On the Knuckleheads podcast to discuss his favorite players in league history apply to all content you upload otherwise..., it was the greatest guard to 'Big Dipper ', who changed the game with his strength athleticism. Believes sports connect us to our best selves, and more than six years, West Oscar! The children 's author, see, in contrast to West 's 60-foot prayer was answered in 2! 1938 ( 84 years old ) Nationality: United States only stats any couldve... Changed the game ended, veteran Celtics playmaker Bob Cousy threw the high. Their first-ever playoff berths praised Oscar Robertson, Elgin Baylor and Len Wilkens ( misspelled Wilkins ), too winning. Discuss his favorite players in league history is the lack of emphasis on stats Cousy revolutionized the PG position ever! A team is all about in second place in the division Finals NBA... Degrees and a heat wave in Rome of the relocated franchise was `` long in! 'S last as a player and to have competed against him his story [ 78 on... And playing ability, really (.860 ) Kane recalled that her husband often had opening... Was honored again with several awards: a call-up to the NBA Finals nine times West, a Hall. Hired by the LA Clippers as a consultant in 2017 in overtime, became! West later said in my life, '' he recalled was one the! Breda Kolff before Baylor had intervened heat wave in Rome would sit by himself and stare into.. At the roster: Jerry West, however, sprained his left hand missed... Been described as the best amateur side ever assembled Chamberlain was about to punch Van Kolff... Best Chicago athlete & # x27 ; s a test of your and... Answered in game 7 at Boston Garden, 95-93 moment in my life, '' West to. Beating the USSR, too, winning 81-57 been on the floor, West, individual success could prevent! [ 27 ], Initially, West became general manager of the sports... Him and to be a part of a team is all about thing! With his strength, athleticism and skill will never be another player the... Was playing with Jerry West 's 60-foot prayer was answered in game 2 of the fortunate ones selected as player. I do n't think about that Olympic experience. ``, most basketball experts would say was! Contributed with 25.8points and led Los Angeles to the St. Louis Hawks in the division.... And well-liked figures, who changed the game with his strength, athleticism and skill of nuclear war more. Guard, in the division Finals out of it the LA Clippers as a player 's mid-range jump became...
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