NBA Update: Hall of Famer Jerry West joins the Golden State Warriors as an advisor
One of the most esteemed executives in the National Basketball Association (NBA); Jerry West has announced his arrival at the big stage once again. On Friday, West gave a green signal to serve as an advisor with the Golden State Warriors. He will be working with the Warriors’ front-office and will also join their executive board.
"I'm excited about this opportunity and, quite frankly, humbled that the new ownership group with the Warriors inquired about my interest in joining the organization. I know that you must have a commitment at the top to succeed. I sense that is certainly the case with the Warriors or I would not have made this decision." West said.
The Hall of Famer who will turn 73 next week will assist the business arm of the team and the basketball operation staff. He will be reporting to the franchise’s new owners Peter Guber and Joe Jacob directly. West will also be responsible for the marketing and sponsorship endeavours and will now stay in Southern California.
The former Los Angeles Lakers guard scored 25,192 career points and was a 14-time All-Star with the team. Jerry spent 18 seasons serving as the general manager for Lakers and five years in the Memphis Grizzlies front-office to rebuild the teams from the very foundation. The iconic West also holds the honour to be voted as the NBA executive twice in the year 1995 and 2004.
Peter Guber, the co-owner of the Warriors expressed his delight as West’s appointment. "I'm really pleased that we were able to add someone the calibre of Jerry West to our organization. He has earned great respect in all circles, including the entire entertainment field, and his business savvy will serve us well and prove invaluable. Overall, his career has been nothing short of remarkable and his name alone has become synonymous with winning and success."
Guber and Jacob bought the Golden State Warriors for a record 450 million dollars from Chris Cohan early last season. In April, the new owners recruited Bob Myers as the assistant general manager and Larry Riley as the general manager (GM).
Keith Smart, was appointed as the coach, but after a below average season, the Warriors parted ways with him. The top candidates to take the responsibility after him include Lakers’ assistant Brian Shaw, Cleveland Cavaliers former coach Mike Brown, Dallas Mavericks assistant Dwane Casey and Boston Celtics’ assistant Lawrence Frank.
Jerry will be setting foot on an untouched domain though. Rather than assuming the responsibility of the general manager, a position at which he had flourished previously, West will only act as an advisor. His primary task will be to recruit the best available coach for the team.
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