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Jerry West joins the Los Angeles Clippers in front office role

By Nicholas Agar-Johnson

Feb 20, 2016; Morgantown, WV, USA; Former West Virginia Mountaineer Jerry West looks on during the game between the West Virginia Mountaineers and the Oklahoma Sooners at the WVU Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 20, 2016; Morgantown, WV, USA; Former West Virginia Mountaineer Jerry West looks on during the game between the West Virginia Mountaineers and the Oklahoma Sooners at the WVU Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports /
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After winning another title with the Golden State Warriors, Jerry West announced that he is joining the Los Angeles Clippers in a move that will revitalize their front office.

Even as the Golden State Warriors cruised to the 2017 NBA title, there were rumblings that there would be a shake-up in their front office. Living legend Jerry West, a consultant for the Warriors, repeatedly remarked that there was not much interest left for him in staying with the franchise.

Those rumors were dismissed during the Warriors’ title run, but they have now come to fruition. In a move that was simultaneously shocking and unsurprising, West told Jack McCallum (another living legend) that he will be taking a consulting job with the Los Angeles Clippers next season.

West is the league’s logo for a reason. He is indisputably one of the 20 greatest players of all time. However, his career as an executive is arguably even more impressive. West led the Los Angeles Lakers for 18 years and the Memphis Grizzlies for five years. He was highly successful in both jobs. West also played a key role in shaping Golden State’s current roster, as he pushed back against a trade that would have shipped Klay Thompson to the Timberwolves for Kevin Love.

While he will not be the head decision-maker in the Clippers’ front office, his sterling track record makes him a huge asset for a front office with some major decisions to make during this offseason.

Historical Excellence

During his playing days, Jerry West was basketball’s lovable loser. He was widely respected throughout the sport despite his 1-8 Finals record, as he repeatedly beat his head against the wall as he fought a dominant Celtics team.

Jerry West earned his Staples Center statue during his remarkable playing career, but his time as an executive was arguably even more impactful. Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jerry West earned his Staples Center statue during his remarkable playing career, but his time as an executive was arguably even more impactful. Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Although West only won one title as a player, he filled out his trophy case as an executive. He became the general manager of the Lakers five days before the 1982 NBA Draft — just in time to select future Hall-of-Famer James Worthy with the No. 1 overall pick. West led the Lakers’ front office for 18 years. He oversaw the team’s roster during the Showtime Era, and put together the pieces for their dominant run in the early 2000s before leaving the franchise. West won the Executive of the Year award for the 1994-95 season, but his greatest successes were before and after he claimed that trophy.

West left basketball for nearly two years after departing the Lakers in August of 2000. He re-joined the league when he took the head job with the Memphis Grizzlies in late April of 2002. He quickly turned the team around. Memphis won just 22 games in the 2001-02 season. They won 28 games the next year, and then made the playoffs for three straight years. West won another Executive of the Year trophy in 2003-04 but left the team following a dismal 2006-07 season.

Future Outlook

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Jerry West has not led a team since he left the Grizzlies. However, his basketball knowledge still shone through during his tenure with the Warriors. West was reportedly the dissenting voice that led the Warriors to keep Klay Thompson when Kevin Love trade rumors emerged, and the other Splash Brother has been an integral part of bringing two titles (and probably more to come) to the Bay Area.

The Clippers already altered their front office structure slightly last season. Doc Rivers handed most of the full-time GM duties to Lawrence Frank. The two combined for some solid minimum contract signings to fill out the roster.

However, this offseason will change the future of the Clippers’ franchise. Both Chris Paul and Blake Griffin are likely to opt out of their contracts and enter free agency. Furthermore, J.J. Redick is a restricted free agent who is likely to get a much better offer on the open market than what he could get from the Clippers.

With some huge decisions ahead for the Clippers front office, West is joining at the perfect time. He has succeeded at every level of the game, and with both rebuilding teams and juggernauts.

Next: 5 potential landing spots for Blake Griffin in free agency

Jerry West might not be the head honcho for the Clippers. However, he will be a huge asset for a front office that has made some questionable decisions in the past.

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