NBA Update: Jerry West hopes to be positive influence on the Golden State Warriors
Although, he is one of the most successful administrators in history of the game, Jerry West is not the typical NBA executive type.
West was an amazing player in his time, winning the NBA Championship crown once with his beloved Los Angeles Lakers. West played his whole career in Lakers uniform and his name is still synonymous with the franchise.
His love affair with the Lakers did not end with his playing career though. Jerry West worked as head coach of the team for three years. He was later named the General Manager of the franchise and he oversaw one of the most successful periods in the Lakers storied history. Los Angeles won seven NBA world championships with West at the helm between 1982 and 2002.
In 2002, he finally went to work for a different basketball organization in the shape of the Memphis Grizzlies. His exploits as the General Manager there saw him win the NBA Executive of the Year award in 2004. West led the Grizzlies to their first three NBA Playoffs appearances.
When named as an advisor and member of the Golden State Warriors executive board, there was some confusion in the media regarding the exact role West had signed up for. The Warriors already have a good General Manager (GM) in Larry Riley and they have hired Bob Myers as assistant GM with an eye to taking over full time once they part company with Riley.
In the given circumstances, it was unclear as to how much of a say Jerry West will have in basketball matters and if his influence could undermine the current authorities. West has now come out in the media to clear the air regarding his role at the Golden State franchise and brushed aside any suggestions that his hiring could lead to friction inside the Warriors,
"I don't want to be the final decision-maker. I don't think it's fair to the people in place. That was my biggest reservation coming here. I didn't want to come here and feel I would overshadow Larry and Bob."
West did say though that he will speak his mind and give the best advice he can for the betterment of the franchise.
“I would hope that I will have a voice, but I will not make that final decision," West said Tuesday.
His voice is largely going to be heard by the owners Joe Lacob and Peter Guber. The two bought the team last year for a record $450 million. As Jerry is now an executive member of the board he has been given ownership stake in the franchise.
The owners of the Golden State Warriors are adamant that the inclusion of the man on the NBA’s logo can only be a good thing. Jerry’s unparalleled success as a player and an executive is held in high regard with Joe Lacob, "Jerry's at the point in his career where he's done it all," Lacob said. "There's nobody who has done what he's done in his career. I couldn't be more excited to have someone with that kind of experience and integrity to help build this thing into a great championship organization."
With Jerry West in the thick of action, the things will only get better for the Golden State Warriors.
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