NBA Information: The sports activities world reacts to the passing of Jerry West

There are a lot of methods to measure a person's affect on the world. How the world reacts to his public dying is an imperfect measure, however within the case of Jerry West one factor is obvious: his affect on the sports activities world was that few basketball gamers can match.

Reactions and tributes poured in Wednesday for the 86-year-old Corridor of Fame participant and supervisor:

“Due to Jerry West, 'Showtime' even existed,” wrote former Lakers guard and coach Byron Scott. “I’m who I’m immediately due to you. You believed in me when nobody else did and for that I’m eternally grateful. You’ll all the time be my 'Basketball Dad'. I like you Emblem my coronary heart is damaged. I’ll- miss you.”

“I all the time wished I might have performed in opposition to him as a competitor,” former Chicago Bulls guard Michael Jordan mentioned, by way of ESPN's First Take, “however the extra I received to know him, the extra I want I might have been his teammate… He might be eternally missed Relaxation in Peace Emblem.”

“Jerry West has been a basketball genius and a defining determine in our league for greater than 60 years,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver mentioned in an announcement. “Not solely did he stand out as an NBA champion and an All-Star in all 14 taking part in seasons, but in addition as a consummate competitor who embraced the most important moments. He was the league's first Finals MVP and made the event his signature. high quality, incomes him the nickname Mr. Clutch”.

“Jerry's 4 a long time with the Lakers additionally included a profitable tenure as a head coach and an excellent run within the entrance workplace that cemented his status as one of many biggest executives in sports activities historical past,” he continued Silver. “He helped construct eight championship groups throughout his NBA tenure – a legacy of feat that mirrors his excellence on the court docket. And he might be enshrined in October within the Naismith Basketball Corridor of Fame as a contributor, turning into the primary individual ever inducted. each as a participant and as a contributor.

“I’ve valued my friendship with Jerry and the information he has shared with me over a few years about basketball and life. On behalf of the NBA, we ship our deepest condolences to Jerry's spouse Karen, his household and his many pals within the NBA group. “

“He’ll really miss our convocations my pricey pal!” wrote Lakers star LeBron James. “My ideas and prayers exit to your great household! Love you eternally Jerry! Relaxation in Heaven my man! 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🤎”

“My mentor, my pal! I hope I proceed to make you proud! 🥲. You might be already missed!” James wrote in a later submit.

“Might my all-time first crew capturing guard relaxation in peace understanding that he paved the way in which for outlining greatness on the hardwood, excellence within the entrance workplace and dwelling life his method,” the Corridor of Fame guard wrote Julius Irving. “Jerry is considered one of one and claims the correct to be the emblem eternally. Condolences to his household.”

“Relaxation in peace pricey Jerry,” wrote former Lakers and Grizzlies heart Pau Gasol. “Thanks for all the things you've performed and given to this recreation.”

“RIH Jerry West,” former Lakers guard Nick Van Exel wrote. “He drafted me within the 2nd spherical and gave me an opportunity as a younger participant who wasn't the most effective on the time. At all times hold it 💯 with me and I all the time knew the place you had been coming from. Prayers to the household!! Massive loss 🙏🏾🙏🏾”

“(Jerry is) clearly one of many nice figures in NBA historical past, one of many biggest gamers of all time, one of many biggest executives of all time,” Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr mentioned.

Along with these people, a number of groups additionally weighed in with tributes on social media: