Why Jerry West’s Return Could be the LA Clippers Biggest Summer Win

NBA Hall of Famer, Jerry “The Logo” West has agreed to remain with the LA Clippers as a front office consultant, per the LA Times. This may be LA’s biggest win of the summer as the NBA inches closer to free agency.

Jerry West has been a prominent figure in the NBA since being drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1960 as the second overall pick. Now, a longtime executive, West occupies an advisory role for owner Steve Ballmer’s team. His previous front office experience includes building the Kobe Bryant-era Lakers and today’s Golden State Warriors. Jerry West is a mastermind.

Since joining the Clipper franchise two seasons ago, Jerry West and Co. have transformed the front office from being undersized and inconsistent into one of the role-model groups in the league today. Additionally, the Clippers have turned their on-court team around from a money-tight, top-heavy squad into a young, financially-flexible team with proven veterans without sacrificing success on the court.

West, who will soon turn 81, is a part of a very successful Clipper brass that has been able to stick together. Owner Steve Ballmer has now retained three marquee pieces to his front office this offseason. Michael Winger, the general manager, garnered interest from the Minnesota Timberwolves yet declined an interview to become their president of basketball operations. Assistant GM Trent Redden possessed an opportunity to join the New Orleans Pelicans as their general manager but chose to remain with the Clippers instead. These were promotions for both.

In the past two seasons, the Clippers front office pulled the trigger on two impactful trades that sent away one of the franchise greats, Blake Griffin, and also Tobias Harris. These blockbuster moves gave the Clippers a new successful young core and provided the team with the financial ability to sign a star free agent this summer. Additionally, two stars can be signed if extra roster changes are made.

The Clippers have done all the right things this season and offseason so far to land a star player in free agency. Formed a young core. Possessed the best bench in the league. Will likely have the Sixth Man of Year won by Lou Williams. Made the playoffs. Pulled off the largest comeback in NBA playoff history against Golden State. Took the back-to-back defending champion Warriors to six games in Round 1.

What Jerry West Can Do for the Clippers This Summer

Now, with the retention of Jerry West, LA is set in prime position to make a powerful move in free agency. West masterfully helped build the Kobe-Lakers and the current two-time defending champion Golden State team. West is a powerful negotiator with an unparalleled eye for unseen talent.

With names like Kawhi Leonard, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Kemba Walker headlining this offseason’s crop of free agency talent, there is plenty of opportunity for the LA to sign a star this summer. West will assuredly be present in meetings the franchise has with these top-tier players.

Last summer, Jerry West tried to move mountains in order to acquire Leonard but was unsuccessful due to a stubborn Spurs front office. This summer, expect the wisdom of Jerry West to shine through the front office. West has been vocal in the past regarding his admiration of Kawhi Leonard. Acquiring Leonard, who has been heavily linked to the Clippers, would be a massive success for Jerry West and Co.

West sees his opportunity with the Clippers as a challenge and knows how to fit his role without being abrasive. “I don’t want to be the story… [or] the headline… sometimes you need to be challenged,” West stated according to ESPN.

Regardless of the outcome of the free agency period this offseason, the Clippers are set for a successful future. Land a star and LA is now a contender. Don’t land a big fish this summer and the Clippers can roll their salary cap flexibility over to 2020 then rest easy knowing they retained one of the brightest executive minds in Jerry West.