The move of Jerry West to the L.A. Clippers has caught a lot of people by surprise, especially after just coming off their second championship in three years. He has spent the past six seasons with the Golden State Warriors as an executive board member and considered one of the architects for their recent run of success.
Although the real reason behind his decision is yet to be known, the 79-year-old revealed that it was not easy for him to leave Oakland, and even described it as “one of saddest days of his life.” He then cited the respect and good relationship he has with the players and other personnel of the team that added to the difficulty of his departure.
Now with the Clippers, West is expected to help the team with their big free agency decisions. Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and J.J. Redick are all slated to test the market, and their front office will be hard-pressed to come up with a way to re-sign them all and also bring in key pieces to their fold.
With the experience and stature of “The Logo,” he might just be what the Clippers need to lure in coveted free agents, as well as persuade their three aforementioned to continue their careers in L.A. There is no doubt West is a highly respected executive, but his decision making will be put to the test immediately, given the situation his new team has. However, if there's anybody who can make things happen, it is the Los Angeles Lakers legend and basketball Hall-of-Famer.