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Ever since I turned my attention to the history of the game.. One of the players that I have learned the most about.. Is Jerry West.
The Logo
One of the most beloved players, that the NBA has ever seen.
As during his playing days, Wests relentless pursuit of the ever elusive NBA championship, inspired many.
Fans, media, opposing players, coaches.. And even the referees.. Felt nothing but respect and admiration for West.
Afterall, here was a guy who throughout the course of his playing career continuously carried the Lakers on his back, along with Elgin Baylor.. While seemingly having no regard for his own well being at times.. As West often played through a host of nasty injuries.. Including 9 broken noses, and several hamstring injuries.. One time even going as far as to play with two strained hamstrings in the NBA finals.
And if you combine that steely toughness with the fact that he had to learn the taste of defeat 7 times.. Before he tasted victory once… the result you get is a player so loveable that even his opponents felt bad when he lost.
A player, worthy.. Of being the logo of what would become a multi billion dollar enterprise.
Or at least, that’s how the story has been written.
Now though, almost 50 years removed from the playing days of Jerry West.. the question of ‘why him?’ must be asked..
As during my time learning of West.. along with other star players of the period.. It started to become clear that West had a keen advantage over some of his counterparts when it came to winning the hearts of the basketball world..
His skin color.
See, while West, to no fault of his own.. Was being idolized and revered as a god among men.. Other players, who were considered just as great.. If not even better than West.. were often scrutinized and ridiculed for their perceived shortcomings.
And no player shows a starker contrast to the love that Jerry West got.. Than Wilt Chamberlain.
Yesteryears villain, of the NBA.
