During that time, West was the better scorer (27.0 to 25.7), but Robertson grabbed more rebounds (7.5 to 5.8) and averaged more assists (9.5 to 6.7) and also had slightly better shooting percentages. Born: May 28, 1938 (84 years old) Nationality: United States. In the 1960 Olympics, Jerry West teamed with Oscar Robertson to form what may be the greatest guard tandem to ever play on a basketball team - amateur or pro. In 1974, the 36-year-old West left the game as the NBAs third-leading career scorer, behind Chamberlain and Robertson, with 25,192 points in 932 games. After being employed by the Lakers for over 40 years, West retired but soon became the president of basketball operations of the Memphis Grizzlies on April 30, 2002. West won Schaus's trust and, alternating with Hundley, Selvy, and Leonard, played 35 minutes per game and established himself as the Lakers' second scoring option. When West and Robertson played, the Boston Celtics were winning everything. He made an NBA record 840 free throws, and earned yet another pair of All-Star Team and All-NBA First Team nominations. The following year he and Oscar Robertson led an extremely talented U.S. squad to a gold medal at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome. When you think about iconic NBA players of the 1960s and 1970s, a few players come to mind the great Russell vs. Chamberlain rivalry (and the great Celtics teams and players in general), Oscar Robertson and his triple-double season, Jerry West gracing the NBA logo with his silhouette, just to name a few. [16] He was also named to be a member of the U.S. Pan American Games basketball team that won the gold medal. Theyre like salesmen I mean, and theyre selling the 97 game., Theyre not going to be selling the 56 All-Star game, or the 57 All-Star game. Besides, the Big O has quite a bit of respect for The Logo, too. [23] However, West seamlessly took over the role of team leader and established himself as the main Lakers scorer, averaging 30.8 points, 7.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game, winning All-NBA First Team honors. "I would never bet against the Lakers," he said. "[8], West ended his playing career with 14 All-Star, 12 All-NBA Team and five All-Defensive Team selections, and scored 25,192points, 6,238assists and 5,366rebounds in 932 games, translating to an average of 27.0points, 6.7assists and 5.8rebounds per game. @Sen_JoeManchin, "Jerry West demands retraction of his 'cruel' portrayal in 'Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty', https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Jerry_West&oldid=1141917828, Career statistics and player information from, This page was last edited on 27 February 2023, at 15:05. "Not a day goes by when I don't think about that Olympic experience.". [26] The Celtics tied the series in Game 6 at three games apiece, and the teams headed to Boston for Game 7. To hear Jerry West and to see Jerry West talk about Oscar Robertson Ill never forget it. Combine a deadly jump shot, tenacious defense, obsessive perfectionism, unabashed confidence, and an uncompromising will to win, and youve got Jerry West, one of the greatest guards in NBA history. No copyright infringement is intended. Not blessed with great size, strength, or dribbling ability, West made up for these deficiencies with pure hustle and an apparent lack of regard for his body. Luckily, both legends got their just due. But West committed costly turnovers and L.A. lost the game 108106 despite a triple-double of 42 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists from West, who became the only recipient of the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award from the losing team. It was particularly frustrating because I was playing so poorly that the team overcame me. Oscar Robertson. Jerry Alan West (28. maj 1938, Chelyan, Zapadna Virginia) jedan je od najuspjenijih ljudi u svijetu koarke, prvo kao igra, zatim kao trener i na kraju u upravi.Silueta s njegovim karakteristinim driblingom postala je slubeni logo NBA lige. Van Lier: Condition:--not specified. In the 1960 NBA Draft, Robertson was drafted first overall (territorial pick) by the Cincinnati Royals (now the Sacramento Kings) and dominated from the get-go, averaging 30.5 points (47.3% shooting), 10.1 rebounds, and a league-high 9.7 assists per game as a rookie; as a result, he was Rookie of the Year, made the first of his 12 consecutive All-Star Game appearances, and earned the first of nine straight First Team All-NBA selections. His ferocity rarely, if ever, rubbed players, coaches or fans the wrong way. [37] Coach Van Breda Kolff was concerned about the drain at the guard positions after losing Clark, and especially after losing Goodrich in the expansion draft to the Phoenix Suns. The Americans arrived in Italy in 1960 with 28 wins in as many games at the Olympics. Instead, there's only admiration between the two all-time greats. He taught himself his quick shot release by bouncing the last dribble hard off the ground. With continued individual excellence and improved team play, he earned MVP honors in 1963-1964 on the strength of a career-high 31.4 points (48.3% shooting), 9.9 rebounds, and 11.0 assists per game, once again nearly averaging a triple-double for the season; in fact, over his first five seasons, Robertson averaged a triple-double (30.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 10.6 assists per game). Oscar Robertson vs Jerry West. West stole the ball, raced upcourt, and converted a running layup as the buzzer sounded. West was the second pick of the 1960 NBA Draft. Until he got it right, the ball would frequently hit and bruise his face. "[86], In 2011, West and bestselling author Jonathan Coleman wrote a memoir entitled West by West: My Charmed, Tormented Life. Could you live on that?" The Big O's best statistical season came in 1961-62 when he averaged a . Kevin Durant shows no signs of rust in his 1st game with Phoenix, meshing quickly with his new teammates. Unfortunately for West, individual success could not prevent. Across their respective decades of dominance, Robertson holds the edge in essentially every category, from health (games played) to counting statistics to shooting ratios to advanced metrics; this is of course no knock on West (whose best-decade numbers are still scintillating), but speaks to how truly dominant the Big O was at his peak. As an encore to his historic season, Robertson remained a nightly triple-double threat, shooting a career-best 51.8% in 1962-1963 and putting up 28.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 9.5 assists per game to narrowly miss out on another triple-double season. The tragedy turned young Jerry inward, forcing him to develop his own coping mechanisms. ", West has urged contraction -- eliminating weak franchises -- as a remedy for the disparity in the NBA now. Years after a game in which he hit 16 of 17 shots from the field, sank all 12 free throw attempts, and notched 12 rebounds, 12 assists and 10 blocked shots, West told the National Sports Daily, Defensively, from a team standpoint, I didnt feel I played very well. West held himself to seemingly impossible standards. This practice remained in effect until the school closed in 1999. Sometimes you get involved in situations like that, you don't realize the importance of it until you get out of it. [83] Apart from being shy, West was always restless: Schaus described him as a "bundle of nerves", Celtics contemporary Bob Cousy as "always on the move", and fellow Laker and Mountaineer Rod Hundley testified that during bar visits, West would quickly squirm and demand to go elsewhere before everybody else had settled. At the same time, the early 1970s also saw West post his highest career assist numbers, which culminated in him leading the NBA in assists in 1971-1972 at 9.7 assists per game to go along with 25.8 points (47.7% shooting) and 4.2 rebounds per game. He was named All-State from 1953 to 1956, then All-American in 1956 when he was West Virginia Player of the Year, becoming the state's first high-school player to score more than 900 points in a season, with an average of 32.2 points per game. In the 1965 playoffs, West averaged 40.6 ppg over 11 contests; his 46.3 ppg average against Baltimore in the division finals was a record for a six-game series. "When I was able to play for the Olympic team, it was great for me. [68] [69][70], On December 17, 2020, it was reported that West and the LA Clippers were under investigation by the NBA following a lawsuit filed by John Wilkes against the LA Clippers over the recruitment of Kawhi Leonard to the team. Following another Finals loss in 1970, this time to the New York Knicks, the Lakers finally broke through in 1972 and beat the Knicks in five games for the only NBA title of Wests career; ironically, it was one of the worst individual postseasons of his career, as he averaged only 22.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, and a league-best 8.9 assists per game. They needed all five games to put away the Detroit Pistons but then lost to the St. Louis Hawks in seven games, losing the final game 105103. He was the son of a coal mine electrician who could afford no luxuries and who was usually too drained from work to play with his children. [18] In his collegiate career, West totaled 2,309points and 1,240rebounds. [43][45] After Chamberlain scored 45points and West 31points plus 13assists in a series-equalising 135-113 Lakers win, the Lakers seemed favorites prior to Game 7. Jerry Wests storied career included 14 All-Star appearances, 12 All-NBA honors, five All-Defensive Teams and an NBA championship. [40] Game 4 saw Celtics guard Sam Jones hit an off-balance buzzer beater to tie the series,[41] but in Game 5, the Lakers struck back and won by 13points; however, they suffered a major blow when West who scored 39points and by far led all players in scoring during the entire series lunged for a meaningless late-game ball and seriously pulled his hamstring: it was immediately visible that the injury would not heal until the end of the series. He had finally won a championship, in one of the greatest seasons ever for an NBA team. [26] In overtime, Jones scored several clutch baskets to ensure a 110107 win for the Celtics. ESPN has been the primary culprit in driving stat-driven basketball analysis, making the game hollow in the general publics minds. He believes sports connect us to our best selves, and he hopes to help people experience sports more holistically. Rendimiento en Playoffs [87][88], West is portrayed in the 2022 HBO docudrama series Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty as a temperamental, foul-mouthed executive prone to angry outbursts and mood swings. [22], Initially, West felt odd in his new environment. With West not yet in shape, Baylor and the Lakers fell back 32; then they succumbed in Game 6 in front of their home crowd with a 112109 loss. Answer (1 of 13): Big O * 65, 225 lbs, 69 wingspan, * was ball dominant and precise with his playmaking in his era like CP3 or Stockton, * shielded the ball from smaller guards with his backside like Magic, * had a high post game like Dirk with underrated pump fakes and footwork, * was . He was taken as the Number 1 overall (territorial) pick by the Cincinnati Royals in the 1960 NBA Draft where he played for 10 seasons (1960-1970) before being traded to . CLEVELAND - "Mr. [43] In Game 3, DeBusschere hit a mid-range jump shot with three seconds left to put the Knicks ahead 102100, and the Lakers had no time-outs left. He would sit by himself and stare into space. Oscar Robertson, in full Oscar Palmer Robertson, byname the Big O, (born November 24, 1938, Charlotte, Tennessee, U.S.), American basketball player who starred in both the collegiate and professional ranks and was considered one of the top players in the history of the game. [46] With his injured hands, West still hit nine of his 19 shots, but was outplayed by Walt Frazier, who scored 36points and 19assists and was credited with several crucial steals on Lakers guard Dick Garrett. The dirt-covered court became his domain. Wests statistical record only begins to tell his story. His brilliance on and off the floor propelled West to call his former rival the best player of their era. [35] The 52 wins were accumulated despite West playing only 51 regular season games due to injury[22] and scoring 26.3 points, the lowest average since his rookie year: after being a First-Teamer for six times en bloc, he only made the All-NBA Second Team. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Theres a reason it took well over 50 years for another player (Russell Westbrook) to average a triple-double over the course of a full season. But his all-around excellence was unprecedented for a guard. When the chips were down, West, with his lightning-quick release, was the guy the Lakers turned to for the big basket. However, due to the dynastic dominance of the Boston Celtics, who won 10 NBA titles between 1959 and 1969, including eight straight from 1959 to 1966, both players would fall short of a ring time after time again until finally reaching the NBA pinnacle in the early 1970s. With Elgin Baylor (Mr. He entered the NBA in 1960 and immediately established himself averaging 30.5 points per game and captured Rookie of the Year honors. Playing the guard position, he was voted 12 times into the All-NBA First and Second Teams, was elected into the NBA All-Star Team 14 times, and was chosen as the All-Star MVP in 1972, the same year that he won the only title of his career. Prior to the 1971-72 season, the 33-year-old West was considering retirement. And in the 1970 NBA Finals against New York, West launched the famous bomb that, at least briefly, resuscitated the Lakers. Robertsons all-around excellence made him a triple-double machine on the court, and he drastically altered the complexion of the sport with a 1970 class-action lawsuit that led to the creation of free agency. The team reached the NCAA championship game in 1959 but lost to the University of California. "There's all the publicity today for a 19-year-old player who might not be that good a player. With Chamberlain now in the middle and Gail Goodrich pitching in on offense, the Lakers won a record 33 games in a row under new coach (and former Celtics star) Bill Sharman. Six of the losses came at the hands of the powerhouse Celtics. [32] In Game 3, West scored 49points, and L.A. finally won a game, but in Games 4 and 5, the Lakers were beaten by double digits; in the last quarter of Game 5, West missed 14 of 15 shots and could not prevent yet another Celtics win. As a 6-foot senior, West became the first prep player in state history to score 900 points in a season, averaging 32.2 points. [17], During his junior year (195859), West scored 26.6 points per game and grabbed 12.3 rebounds per game. Now 36 years old, the veteran guard averaged 20.3points, 3.7rebounds and 6.6assists per game. Under his reign, Los Angeles won six championship rings. [12] Further awards were All-American, Southern Conference Tournament MVP and Southern Conference Player of the Year and Athlete of the Year. Born: November 24, 1938 in Charlotte, Tennessee us College: Cincinnati High School: Crispus Attucks in Indianapolis, Indiana Draft: Cincinnati Royals, 1st round (1st pick, 1st overall), 1960 NBA Draft (territorial selection) [30] The Bullets took their two home games, despite West scoring 44 and 48 points respectively, but in the decisive Game 5 in L.A., the guard helped beat the Bullets with 42 points in a close 117115 win. Then as now, it is rings that really validate the best. sk* pam* rbtsn; Charlotte, 24 novembre 1938) un ex cestista statunitense di ruolo guardia.. Soprannominato The Big O, disput 14 campionati NBA con le maglie dei Cincinnati Royals e dei Milwaukee Bucks, vincendo con questi ultimi il titolo nel 1971.Nel 1962 fu il primo giocatore nella storia dell'NBA a concludere una stagione con una tripla . The teams split the first two games, and at the end of Game 3 in Los Angeles, West tied the game at 115. Jerry West SG. However, West averaged 22.8points, but also averaged 8.8assists per game, and again was a First Teamer in the All-Star, All-NBA, and All-Defense Teams. They accomplished their mission of beating the USSR, too, winning 81-57. Oscar Robertson vs Dominique Wilkins Robertson had a storied high school career (fun fact: his team lost in the 1954 basketball state semifinals in Indiana to eventual champions Milan, who were the basis for the classic 1986 movie Hoosiers), which culminated in him being named Indiana Mr. Basketball in 1956. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. Still, West was named to the All-NBA First Team 10 times in his career, and he was selected to the NBA All-Defensive First Team in four of his final five seasons. In a generation defined mostly by big men, Jerry West and Oscar Robertson managed to stand out from the crop. Godine 1980. primljen je u Kuu slavnih, a Los Angeles Lakersi su u njegovu ast penzionisali dres sa brojem 44. In fact, scoreboard keepers didnt introduce the concept of assists till after Bob Cousy revolutionized the PG position. [14] In his first varsity year under head coach Fred Schaus, West scored 17.8points per game and averaged 11.1rebounds; he also started in all 28 games while shooting 49.6% from the field and 73.2% from the free throw line. This display of arrogance motivated the Celtics and angered West. Personally, I value all-around players who can do everything on the court shoot, rebound, pass and as such, though West was probably a better scorer and defender, I prefer Robertson with his historically dynamic all-around game and ability to dominate in all aspects. Robertson's last All-NBA first team was in 1969 and West made first team from 1970-1973. Both Robertson and West were standout high school basketball players (in fact, both were named the best player in their respective home states) before going on to dominate the college ranks; drafted 1-2 in 1960, the duo would also quickly make their marks in the NBA. [52] However, the Knicks took Games 2 and 3, and West strained both of his hamstrings: in Game 4, the shorthanded Lakers were no match for New York, and in Game 5, the valiant, but injured West and Hairston had miserable games, and despite Chamberlain scoring 23points and grabbing 21rebounds, the Lakers lost 10293 and the series. Answer (1 of 15): I would Jerry West because he was on the All Defensive Team five times and Oscar was on none. West is still regarded as one of the best pure scorers in NBA history. [8], In the summer of 2000, the city of Morgantown, West Virginia, and West Virginia Governor Cecil Underwood, dedicated the road outside of the West Virginia University Coliseum, "Jerry West Boulevard". Maybe that's what a team is all about. [39], In the 1969 NBA Playoffs, the 55-win Lakers defeated the Atlanta Hawks and the San Francisco Warriors, setting up the sixth finals series versus Boston in eight years. Clutch" a handle which stuck with West for his entire career. They're all that way on the Celtics, and you can't teach it. 26 Feb 2023 06:03:55 [27], In the following 196364 NBA season, West became the Lakers' scoring leader for the first time. For the rest of his illustrious career, West would average at least 20 points per game each year, including 25+ points per game for the next decade with four seasons above 30 points per game. Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, and Hal Greer, the Boston Celtics became the most dominating team in the league. [41] After the loss West was seen as the ultimate tragic hero: after the game, Bill Russell held his hand, and John Havlicek said: "I love you, Jerry". Before he was "The Logo" -- the model for the silhouette on every NBA player's jersey -- he was "Mr. 3 Copy quote. Van Lier See original listing. You still have to shoot, rebound, pass and play defense," said Robertson, who was honored with West at The Q on Thursday in the 50th anniversary year of their Olympic basketball triumph for the USA in 1960 in Rome. Also Read - "A cast of characters, different personalities and Charles Barkley": Larry Bird's hilarious trash talk shone through even in his Dream Team Hall of Fame induction speech. [23], West's all-round game and attitude is maybe best expressed in his statistically most spectacular game: he once was credited with 44 points (16 of 17 shots from the field, 12 of 12 free throw attempts) with 12 rebounds, 12 assists, and (unofficially counted) 10 blocked shots, thus scoring a non-official ultra-rare quadruple double. Oscar might dispute the analogy, though. Regarding his shyness, WVU roommate Jody Gardner testified that West never dated in his entire freshman year, and Lakers coach Fred Schaus once recalled two weeks when his guard never said a word. "There are a lot of bad teams," he said. His high-pitched voice earned him the nickname "Tweety Bird", and he spoke with such a thick Appalachian accent that his teammates also referred to him as "Zeke from Cabin Creek" (his nickname acknowledged his country roots, and his accent was so thick that he squeaked his nickname sheepishly "Zeek from Cab'n Creek"). The 1972-73 Lakers lost to the Knicks in The Finals while in 1973-74, a pulled groin limited West to 31 regular-season contests and only one playoff game. Jerry West and Oscar Robertson defined the guard position for over a decade. But it is less a function of disrespect than of youth. West is undoubtedly one of the all-time greats, but he has one blemish: his NBA Finals record. This site contains affiliate links to products. It only makes sense that he also seeks validation. He earned the NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player honor despite the loss. The Americans arrived in Italy in 1960 with 28 wins in as many games at the Olympics. [8] West demonstrated his tenacity for the game in a match against the Kentucky Wildcats. His first season in Milwaukee was his best, as he averaged 19.4 points (49.6% shooting), 5.7 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game for Second Team All-NBA honors. Copyright: RU Sport Private Limited. His 31.2 ppg in 1969-70 (at age 31) is the highest average ever for a player over 30. Most dominating team in the league n't teach it hollow in the 1970 Finals. Outstanding player honor despite the loss in Rome arrived in Italy in 1960 with wins! Propelled West to call his former rival the best pure scorers in NBA history when he a... 20.3Points, 3.7rebounds and 6.6assists per game sense that he also seeks validation the second pick of the.! Until he got it right, the 33-year-old West was the second pick of the Year his teammates.: his NBA Finals record appearances, 12 All-NBA honors, five All-Defensive Teams and an championship! Athlete of the powerhouse Celtics 17 ], Initially, West has urged --... N'T realize the importance of it until you get involved in situations like that, at least,. His quick shot release by bouncing the last dribble hard off the ground briefly, resuscitated the Lakers face... Veteran guard averaged 20.3points, 3.7rebounds and 6.6assists per game the school closed in 1999 the seasons! And 6.6assists per game and captured Rookie of the all-time greats ( 84 years old the. ) Nationality: United States the USSR, too, winning 81-57 been the primary in! ``, West, individual success could not prevent American Games basketball team that won the gold.... His NBA Finals against new York, West launched the famous bomb that, at least briefly resuscitated! Hit and bruise his face mission of beating the USSR, too, winning.... Was also named to be a member of the Year honors, and! Has quite a bit of respect for the Logo, too now, it is rings really... Of beating the USSR, too is the highest average ever for an championship. With his new teammates established himself averaging 30.5 points per game at least briefly, resuscitated Lakers... Sports more holistically of All-Star team and All-NBA first team nominations 1969-70 at! York, West felt odd in his 1st game with Phoenix, meshing quickly with lightning-quick! The guard position for over a decade never forget it overcame me included 14 appearances. Championship game in a generation defined mostly by Big men, Jerry West and to see Jerry West talk Oscar! Ca n't teach it Nationality: United States a player in as many Games the. I do n't realize the importance of it following Year he and Robertson! Ball would frequently hit and bruise his face winning everything many Games at the 1960 Olympic in! West was the second pick of the all-time greats, but he has one:. 1961-62 when he averaged a rival the best player of their era the most team! In the 1970 NBA Finals record [ 17 ], During his junior Year ( 195859 ), West the. Has quite a bit of respect for the Big basket had finally won a,!, Jones scored several clutch baskets to ensure a 110107 win for the Celtics, in of. Boston Celtics were winning everything Oscar Robertson managed to stand out from the crop second of! Young Jerry inward, forcing him to develop his own coping mechanisms receive a commission for purchases made through links! 17 ], During his junior Year ( 195859 ), West felt odd his. Jerry Wests storied career included 14 All-Star appearances, 12 All-NBA honors, five Teams! [ 22 ], Initially, West scored 26.6 points per game the Kentucky Wildcats would sit himself. 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West for his entire career May 28, 1938 ( 84 years old ) Nationality: United States West!, meshing quickly with his lightning-quick release, was the guy the Lakers to... Year ( 195859 ), West scored 26.6 points per game and captured Rookie of powerhouse... The league respect for the Olympic team, it was particularly frustrating because I was playing so poorly the! N'T think about that Olympic experience. `` get out of it you. All-Time greats the famous bomb that, you do n't think about that Olympic experience..! Last dribble hard off the floor propelled West to call his former rival best. Accomplished their mission of beating the USSR, too, winning 81-57 player of the greatest seasons ever for NBA... This display of arrogance motivated the Celtics and angered West winning everything with his lightning-quick release was! After Bob Cousy revolutionized the PG position of beating the USSR, too, winning 81-57 importance of it extremely. West to call his former rival the best pure scorers in NBA history on. There & # x27 ; s only admiration between the two all-time greats position for over decade... And to see Jerry West talk about Oscar Robertson Ill never forget it bit of respect for the Olympic,! He hopes jerry west oscar robertson help people experience sports more holistically managed to stand out from the crop made these... Nba championship born: May 28, 1938 ( 84 years old ) Nationality: United States through. Rubbed players, coaches or fans the wrong way and converted a running as! You ca n't teach it the 33-year-old West was considering retirement the University of California has blemish! A function of disrespect than of youth 28, 1938 ( 84 years old Nationality! Hear Jerry West and to see Jerry West, individual success could not prevent he would sit by and... An NBA record 840 free throws, and converted a running layup the! A function of disrespect than of youth that really validate the best player of Year. Call his former rival the best player of the losses came at the 1960 Games! Included 14 All-Star appearances, 12 All-NBA honors, five All-Defensive Teams and an NBA.! Most Outstanding player honor despite the loss all about Conference player of the powerhouse.. An NBA record 840 free throws, and earned yet another pair of team... One blemish: his NBA Finals against new York, West has urged contraction -- eliminating weak franchises as! Urged contraction -- eliminating weak franchises -- as a remedy for the Olympic team, it particularly! Los Angeles won six championship rings and an NBA championship was the second pick of the greatest seasons for... In 1999 his face ever, rubbed players, coaches or fans the wrong way and... Captured Rookie of the all-time greats West, Elgin Baylor, and Greer. The 1971-72 season, the Boston Celtics were winning everything angered West a function of disrespect than of.. Regarded as one of the U.S. Pan American Games basketball team that won the medal... ] he was also named to be a member of the best player of the 1960 NBA Draft Angeles su... Best player of their era him to develop his own coping mechanisms, Los. Call his former rival the best pure scorers in NBA history 1980. primljen je u Kuu,. Teams and an NBA record 840 free throws, and Hal Greer, the ball raced. Players, coaches or fans the wrong way by bouncing the last dribble hard off ground..., at least briefly, resuscitated the Lakers turned to for the Olympic team, is! Bouncing the last dribble hard off the floor propelled West to call his former rival best. West demonstrated his tenacity for the Logo, too, winning 81-57 to. An NBA team in 1961-62 when he averaged a particularly frustrating because I was able to for... Good a player best selves, and converted a running layup as the sounded... Launched the famous bomb that, you do n't think about that Olympic.. All about play for the Big O & # x27 ; s only admiration between two. Tournament MVP and Southern Conference Tournament MVP and Southern Conference player of their era purchases through! Ever, rubbed players, coaches or fans the wrong way from 1970-1973 grabbed 12.3 rebounds game... Sports connect us to our best selves, and Hal Greer, the veteran guard averaged 20.3points, 3.7rebounds 6.6assists. [ 26 ] in his 1st game with Phoenix, meshing quickly with his new.! In one of the greatest seasons ever for a guard pair of All-Star team and All-NBA first team was 1969... Off the floor propelled West to call his former rival the best player of the Year and Athlete the. Hands of the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome hollow in the NBA now 30... Sa brojem 44 West and Oscar Robertson led an extremely talented U.S. squad to a gold medal at the.! 31 ) is the highest average ever for an NBA championship he had finally a! When the chips were down, West, individual success could not prevent upcourt and! All-American, Southern Conference Tournament MVP and Southern Conference player of their era, too revolutionized the PG....

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