The recent NBA draft evening bore a poignant undertone for the LA Clippers as the occasion marked their first selection process without the esteemed presence of Jerry West in their war room. West, an iconic figure in the basketball world, had passed away on June 12 at the age of 86. Over the past seven years, he had served as a consultant, contributing significantly to the resurgence and competitive strength of the Clippers.
Jerry West’s contributions to the Clippers were monumental, particularly in the recruitment of superstars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. His expertise and vision helped transform the Clippers into a formidable force in the NBA. As the Clippers navigated through this draft, the absence of West was deeply felt by everyone within the organization. Lawrence Frank, the Clippers' president of basketball operations, candidly shared his emotions, stating, "He loved the draft. It was like Christmas. He loved knowing every single player, he loved meeting the players. Took great pride in where guys would go. After the draft selections were made, he was so happy."
This year's draft night was particularly reflective for the Clippers organization. It was a somber occasion that underscored West's invaluable impact and the enduring legacy he leaves behind. Frank expressed the sentiment of the night, "It's a bittersweet day. Very sad that Jerry wasn't here for it." The Clippers did not have a first-round pick this year, which added another layer of strategic planning and consideration in their approach. With the 46th pick in the second round, they selected Cameron Christie from Minnesota.
West's basketball journey began in West Virginia, his birthplace, and flourished during his collegiate years at West Virginia University, where he starred from 1957 to 1960. His exemplary performance in college led to his selection as the second overall pick in the NBA draft by the Minneapolis Lakers. Throughout his illustrious career, West became a 14-time All-Star and played a pivotal role in securing the 1972 NBA championship for the Lakers.
Lawrence Frank's reflections on Jerry West set a reflective tone for the organization moving forward. “We just want to honor and respect Jerry every single day,” he said, capturing the collective sentiment of the franchise. The Clippers owe much of their recent success to the groundwork laid by West, whose basketball acumen and competitive spirit were second to none.
As draft night came to an end, the Clippers found themselves contemplating both their future and the indelible mark left by Jerry West. His absence in the war room was palpable, a silent reminder of the depth of his involvement and enthusiasm for the game he loved dearly. The Clippers, now looking towards a future without one of their most influential figures, aim to carry forward West's legacy of excellence and relentless pursuit of greatness.
In recognizing Jerry West's extraordinary contributions, the Clippers and the wider basketball community underscore the enduring influence he had on the sport. From his days as a star player to his transformative role as an executive, West's legacy is one of unparalleled achievement and profound impact.