Jerry West, NBA Logo Inspiration, Dies at 86

Wednesday marked a somber day for basketball as Jerry West passed away at 86.

Remembering “The Logo”

Jerry West, famously known as “The Logo,” inspired the NBA’s iconic silhouette. His statue was revealed outside what was once called the Staples Center back in 2011. Bill Russell once said, “As you all know, Jerry is the logo man, but to us [players], Jerry was not a silhouette. He was a man with a soul.”

Hall of Famer Jerry West died this morning at 86

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport)

A Man of Many Nicknames

Jerry had many nicknames like “Tweety Bird,” “Zeke from Cabin Creek,” and most famously, “Mr. Clutch.” Oscar Robertson wrote in his memoir, “Jerry West was the best clutch player I ever saw, the best shooter, and one of the best competitors.” He added that Jerry’s greatest skill might have been appearing at just the right time to make an important play.

Fans believe he truly earned those nicknames.

Many remember his famous 60-foot buzzer-beater during Game 3 of the 1970 NBA Finals against the Knicks. Clyde Frazier thought he was crazy for attempting it but admitted that Jerry looked determined. Even Jerry himself didn’t think it would go in: “I said, ‘Oh my god, it’s pretty straight.’ You just never think it’s going to go in.”

Coaches Reflect on His Legacy

Before Game 3 between the Celtics and Mavericks last night, both teams’ coaches shared their memories of Jerry West after hearing about his death. Jason Kidd recalled a moment with Rod Thorn when they were playing Memphis: “Rod started drooling when he saw him… I asked why and he said ‘That’s my idol.'”

Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla also shared how impactful Jerry had been on his life: “My junior year in college wasn’t going well until I got a call from him… He told me off for ruining an opportunity to be great.” Mazzulla described it as one of the most important phone calls of his life.