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Jerry West Brings Inspiration and History to the LA Clippers

By Randi Geffner

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 19: Jerry West attends the game between the Indiana Pacers and LA Clippers on March 19, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 19: Jerry West attends the game between the Indiana Pacers and LA Clippers on March 19, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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He’s the Logo.  Mr. Clutch.  Zeke from Cabin Creek.  A 14-time All-Star.  A true inspiration and a force of nature.  And he’s all in with the LA Clippers, having just agreed to extend his tenure as a consultant to the team.

LA Clippers’ advisor and consultant Jerry West is synonymous with NBA royalty.  Since being selected second in the first round of the 1960 NBA draft, he has left an indelible mark on the NBA, as a 12-time all-NBA team selection, 1969 NBA Finals MVP, and 1979 inductee into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, followed by impressive runs as a head coach, GM, and two-time winner of the NBA Executive of the Year award.

To players, coaches and fans, West seems both charmingly accessible and larger-than-life inspirational.  Perhaps in part due to his modest upbringing in West Virginia, the fifth of six children of a homemaker mom and a coal mine electrician dad, West has a relatable persona which has connected with the NBA community for nearly sixty years.

Everyone loves the Logo.

But charm alone did not propel West to the levels he has attained in his career.  In his NBA bio, West is described as having “. . . obsessive perfectionism, unabashed confidence, and an uncompromising will to win” along with “… a level of intensity so high it could melt lead.”   In looking back on what has driven him, West said “But where that intensity comes from, I can’t really say. It’s a very private thing. You can look right into someone’s eyes and not know what’s burning within then, but that unfailing desire and self – awareness is an all the great ones in our sport. ”

And in June 2017, when he joined the Clippers front office, Clipper Nation had the opportunity to see firsthand exactly what West is made of.  From the jump, at the press conference formally introducing him, West exhibited the charm, confidence and optimism that have embodied his journey:

"“Here I am on the last adventure of my life, and I like to call it an adventure. . .I like people flying under the radar. I don’t like gigantic egos. … I’ve had the privilege of watching their games. I watch every game no matter who is playing. For them to want me to come here and maybe think I can help, I’m really flattered.”"

This week, as the NBA combine kicks off, Clipper Landry Shamet shared the advice West gave him one year ago when he was an NBA hopeful – “You have to come in with the mindset of ‘I’m gonna kick your ass.’”

Next. Doc Rivers Named Coach of the Year Finalist. dark

Clearly this is advice borne of six decades of NBA experience of one of the all-time greats, Jerry West, and the LA Clippers are fortunate to be on board for the adventure, kicking ass alongside him.

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