Years after a game in which he hit 16 of 17 shots from the field, sank all 12 free throw attempts, and notched 12 rebounds, 12 assists and 10 blocked shots, West told the National Sports Daily, Defensively, from a team standpoint, I didnt feel I played very well. In addition, Robertson broke Bob Cousys single-season assist record in one of six seasons leading the NBA in assists. A smallish youth, West didnt make his junior high football, baseball or track teams. Clutch" didn't taunt, at least by the strict interpretation of the term. He died aged 67. [28] The Lakers struggled during the entire season, winning only 42 games, and were beaten by the Hawks in five games during the first round of the 1964 NBA Playoffs. West said, turning to a chuckling Robertson. Clippers coach, Doc Rivers, floated the idea of West joining the organization during the 2016 season. In particular, in a Finals loss to Boston in 1969 that went the distance, West put up 42 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists in the decisive Game 7, and was named the inaugural Finals MVP despite being on the losing team, the only time in NBA history this has happened. Luckily, both legends got their just due. In addition to their regular season performances, Robertson and West were both consistent presences in the postseason and led their teams admirably for a number of years. At such a time, Oscar Robertson set the game afire with his spate of triple-doubles for the Cincinnati Royals. Chance of rain 100%. RT @LakersLead: Blake Griffin, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Oscar Robertson, and Jerry West are the only other rookies to have a 30/15/10 game . Those two players formed the nucleus of three consecutive championship teams beginning with capturing the 2000 NBA Finals. Prior to the 1971-72 season, the 33-year-old West was considering retirement. [12][63] Jonnie played guard for West's college team, the West Virginia Mountaineers and married professional golfer Michelle Wie in 2019. Your suplied Email address (xxxxx@fiba.basketball) does not seem to be correct, "THAT WAS THE MOST SPECIAL MOMENT IN MY LIFE, TO PLAY THE NATIONAL ANTHEM, IT WAS THE MOST THRILLING, CHILLING THING THAT I'VE EVER BEEN INVOLVED WITH. [19] West and Oscar Robertson co-captained the U.S. men's basketball team that won the gold medal at the 1960 Summer Olympics. Although West enjoyed great individual success during his prime, the teams record is a study in frustration unbelievable frustration is how West described it to the Los Angeles Times Magazine. As a rookie, West would make the first of 14 straight All-Star teams by averaging 17.6 points (41.9% shooting), 7.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. However, he started at West Virginia, getting 13 rebounds and 25 points for each game. [8] Lakers broadcaster Chick Hearn once said: "He took a loss harder than any player I've ever known. His first season in Milwaukee was his best, as he averaged 19.4 points (49.6% shooting), 5.7 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game for Second Team All-NBA honors. In 1960, Robertson was a member of the gold medal winning basketball team in the Rome Olympic Summer Games with fellow Hall of Famers Jerry West, Jerry Lucas and Walt Bellamy. Former NBA Veteran JJ Redick made controversial comments calling NBA Legends Firemen and Plumbers. I felt I was deceived. [75] Also, on November 26, 2005, his number 44 became the first basketball number to be retired by West Virginia University and on February 17, 2007, a bronze statue created by sculptor Jamie Lester was installed outside of the WVU Coliseum. Basketball, Team, School. Your inbox approves The power couples & . 9 Copy quote. Milwaukee's Oscar Robertson (1) averaged a triple double in 1961-62 - 30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds and 11.4 assists per game. Charleston, WV (25301) Today. As a member of the Bucks in 1970-1971, Robertson finally broke through as Milwaukee swept the Baltimore Bullets in the NBA Finals for his only NBA title; Robertson led the playoffs in assists that season (8.9 assists per game) to go along with 18.3 points and 5.0 rebounds per game. Robertsons response might seem arrogant. Still, West was named to the All-NBA First Team 10 times in his career, and he was selected to the NBA All-Defensive First Team in four of his final five seasons. West and Robertson were the Magic Johnson and Larry Bird of their day. Unexpectedly, most of the coaches changed direction as suddenly as a team that just had the ball stolen at midcourt. [15] Without Chamberlain, who had ended his NBA career, the Lakers won 47 games and lost in five games to the Milwaukee Bucks. Neither Chamberlain's 50 point, 25.7 rebound average nor Oscar's triple-double average swayed the media from such a view. He taught himself his quick shot release by bouncing the last dribble hard off the ground. Additionally, in the 1974 Western Conference Semifinals, the Bucks would get revenge and defeat the Lakers 4-1, though West only played one game in the series. This display of arrogance motivated the Celtics and angered West. During his 14-year playing career with the Los Angeles Lakers, West became synonymous with brilliant basketball. [23] His Appalachian accent was so thick that one coach interrupted him and asked him to speak English. He looks determined. This site contains affiliate links to products. I want to help make a difference. They were 39-3 at midseason and finished at 69-13, the best single-season record in NBA history until the 1995-96 Bulls (72-10) bested it.. And, you know, Oscar said, You right, Jerry.'. He said at the ceremony that athletes should not pass up a chance to represent their homeland. . And it was a mission that we had to beat the Russian team. "That was the most special moment in my life," he said. The Minneapolis Lakers chose West with the second overall pick behind Robertson in the 1960 NBA Draft. Not blessed with great size, strength, or dribbling ability, West made up for these deficiencies with pure hustle and an apparent lack of regard for his body. All rights reserved. He remained a . [8] Having played forward early in his career, West was also a capable rebounder, and gifted with long arms, quick hands, and strong defensive instincts, West was also once described as one of the best ballhawks, man-to-man defenders and shot blockers among NBA guards:[23] when the All-Defensive Teams were introduced in 1969, West made every one of them until his career ended in 1974. [15], West helped the Lakers improve from their previous 25-win season to 36 wins as they reached the 1961 NBA Playoffs. "When I was able to play for the Olympic team, it was great for me. Despite playing only 31 games due to a strained groin,[8] West was still regarded as an elite guard, earning another call-up into his final All-Star Game. [26] In overtime, Jones scored several clutch baskets to ensure a 110107 win for the Celtics. [50][51] West conceded that he had played a terrible series, and credited the team for the success. Before he was "The Logo" -- the model for the silhouette on every NBA player's jersey -- he was "Mr. Just look at the roster: Jerry West, Oscar Robertson, Walt Bellamy, Bob Boozer, Terry Dischinger . You still have to shoot, rebound, pass and play defense," said Robertson, who was honored with West at The Q on Thursday in the 50th anniversary year of their Olympic basketball triumph for the USA in 1960 in Rome. Oscar Robertson was the only college player to finish the March Madness career with four triple-doubles. ". He eventually chose to stay in his home state and attend West Virginia University (WVU), located in Morgantown. Theyre like salesmen I mean, and theyre selling the 97 game., Theyre not going to be selling the 56 All-Star game, or the 57 All-Star game. West's mid-range jump shot became his trademark and he often used it to score while under pressure from opposing defenses. [37] Coach Van Breda Kolff was concerned about the drain at the guard positions after losing Clark, and especially after losing Goodrich in the expansion draft to the Phoenix Suns. In 1969, as in 1962, the Lakers led Boston after five games only to drop the last two contests. Rain. "Not a day goes by when I don't think about that Olympic experience.". Oscar Robertson: Cincinnati Royals (1960-1970) Milwaukee Bucks (1970-1974) Jerry West: Los Angeles Lakers (1960-1974) To hear Jerry West and to see Jerry West talk about Oscar Robertson Ill never forget it. FTA complete back to 1948-49. His ferocity rarely, if ever, rubbed players, coaches or fans the wrong way. Born: May 28, 1938 (84 years old) Nationality: United States. He has profusely praised Oscar Robertson and others in his era. After the Lakers heartbreaking loss to the Boston Celtics in the 1969 NBA Finals, John Havlicek walked up to West and said, Jerry, I love you. Such comments were not uncommon. Jerome Alan West (Cheylan, 28 de maio de 1938) um ex-jogador de basquetebol norte-americano que atualmente exerce a funo de Conselheiro nos Clippers. One of the salient features that differentiate the 50s and 60s basketball from eras that came later is the lack of emphasis on stats. With Chamberlain now in the middle and Gail Goodrich pitching in on offense, the Lakers won a record 33 games in a row under new coach (and former Celtics star) Bill Sharman. "Who else would you want to take it but Kobe?" He was an All-Star every year of his career and led Los Angeles to the NBA Finals nine times. Laker Legend Jerry West calls Redick out for his reckless. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. [27], In the following 196364 NBA season, West became the Lakers' scoring leader for the first time. I must have that tension. West was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1979. Media createst the impression that Oh, he had a triple-double! he did something spectacular. The game, which was the Lakers' first home game of . Hence, every college game, every practice and every summer workout by 1958 became about the game within the game: winning at all costs, but also showing the world he could . The Americans arrived in Italy in 1960 with 28 wins in as many games at the Olympics. Jerry West talks about how losing to the Celtics multiple times in The Finals affected his mindset and demeanor during his career. The USA had been the only country to win the gold medal since basketball was introduced at the Summer Games in Berlin, in 1936. [12] Further awards were All-American, Southern Conference Tournament MVP and Southern Conference Player of the Year and Athlete of the Year. During that time, West was the better scorer (27.0 to 25.7), but Robertson grabbed more rebounds (7.5 to 5.8) and averaged more assists (9.5 to 6.7) and also had slightly better shooting percentages. Professional career Los Angeles Lakers (1960 . Unfortunately for West, individual success could not prevent. @Sen_JoeManchin, "Jerry West demands retraction of his 'cruel' portrayal in 'Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty', https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Jerry_West&oldid=1141917828, Career statistics and player information from, This page was last edited on 27 February 2023, at 15:05. He is a. man for the ages." Jerry West. 14 minutes of The Big O! The Americans arrived in Italy in 1960 with 28 wins in as many games at the Olympics. Jerome Alan West (born May 28, 1938)[3][4] is an American basketball executive and former player. Wilt Chamberlain cited the examples of his former teammates Jerry West and Elgin Baylor to explain how in his view, NBA basketball got diluted. ", Robertson believes the media-hype machine conditions fans' perceptions of players too much. The other definition is 'two way' player - one who can do everything offensively, and defensively. [23] However, West soon impressed his colleagues with his defensive hustle, with his vertical jumphe could reach up 16 inches above the rim when he went upand with his work ethic, spending countless extra hours working on his game. [85], Early in his career, West's West Virginian roots made him a target for some mild jeering. [15] On January 17, 1962, West scored a career-high 63 points in a 129121 win over the New York Knicks. 1 overall pick in the 1960 NBA Draft, with the Lakers selecting West immediately thereafter. "I'm very fortunate that I was one of those athletes.". That was our goal.". Oscar Palmer Robertson (born November 24, 1938), nicknamed "the Big O", is an American former professional basketball player who played for the Cincinnati Royals and Milwaukee Bucks in the National Basketball Association (NBA). His best opportunity for a title with the Royals came in 1962-1963, when they advanced to the Eastern Division Finals, but lost to the eventual champion Boston Celtics in seven games despite the Big Os 31.8 points, 13.0 rebounds, and 9.0 assists per game in the postseason. As an encore to his historic season, Robertson remained a nightly triple-double threat, shooting a career-best 51.8% in 1962-1963 and putting up 28.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 9.5 assists per game to narrowly miss out on another triple-double season. Thomas said on an older edition of NBA TVs Open Court that he had the privilege of sharing a panel with Jerry West and Oscar Robertson. [12] In Game 4, the guard scored 37 points and 18 assists, and the Lakers won. Oscar Robertson. In the 1972 NBA Finals, the Lakers again met the New York Knicks. As his line-drive jumper headed for nothing but net, he would run off the court, clapping his hands, never looking back because it was a sure thing. "Why does everybody say the game has changed? All of these rookies except for Wilkens are also featured on the action cards. Moreover, the duo had two playoff matchups first, in the 1972 Western Conference Finals, the Lakers beat the Bucks 4-2 behind Wests 21.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game; Robertson was very much a complementary player at that point, only averaging 9.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game during the six-game series. On the most recent episode of his podcast, Simmons named (in order) his top 15 in the "Pantheon." Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Tim Duncan, Wilt Chamberlain, Kobe Bryant, Jerry West, Oscar Robertson, Hakeem Olajuwon . "Fans believe what people tell them.". It is an honor to know him and to have competed against him. His only outlet was a basketball hoop nailed to a storage shed outside a neighbors house. Robertson reciprocated Wests characterization of him earlier this year. Overall, Robertson visited the postseason 10 times in his career (six times in his decade with Cincinnati, and all four years in Milwaukee), where he lead the NBA in playoff assists 7x, including four straight years from 1962 to 1965; other individual postseason accomplishments included averaging a triple-double for the 1962 playoffs and leading the playoffs in minutes played for three straight years (including an astounding 48.8 minutes per game in 1964-1965). Also Read Dwyane Wade is the most accomplished athlete thats come out of Chicago! He spent five years at that post, helping build Memphis into a playoff team in 2004, 05 and 06 before stepping down in 2007. Oscar Robertson. It averaged a whopping 101.9 points a contest. The answer is "yes," according to The Ringer's Bill Simmons. [43] In Game 3, DeBusschere hit a mid-range jump shot with three seconds left to put the Knicks ahead 102100, and the Lakers had no time-outs left. He explained his decision with the desire for exploring something new: "After being a part of the Laker's success for so many years, I have always wondered how it would be to build a winning franchise that has not experienced much success. Following another five-game loss to Boston in 1963-1964, Cincinnati would never again make it past the first round with Robertson. While his famous triple-double season would come a year later, Robertson got off to a fast start right out of the gate during his 1960-61 rookie season in which he . At age 32, West averaged 26.9points, 4.6rebounds and 9.5assists,[15] and helped the Lakers win 46 games and make the 1971 NBA Playoffs. He spoke with a high pitched voice that became even shriller when he became excited so that Lakers captain Elgin Baylor dubbed West "Tweety Bird". In 1961-62, West established himself as a deadly scoring threat and averaged 30.8 ppg, marking the first of four seasons in which he 30 ppg or more. [21] This team perennially had strong forwards and guards, but was constantly weak at center, giving them a disadvantage against the Boston Celtics with their Hall-of-Fame center, Bill Russell. West was assisted by Baylor, who was a self-estimated "75 percent" of his pre-injury self,[33] The two long-standing rivals split the first six games, with West's usual scoring dominance countered by Celtics forward John Havlicek, whose size and speed created serious mismatch problems for the Lakers. West is still regarded as one of the best pure scorers in NBA history. [ 1] Jerry Wests storied career included 14 All-Star appearances, 12 All-NBA honors, five All-Defensive Teams and an NBA championship. Lillard was the only one to accomplish . Once you get out of it, you figure, 'Boy, what a great bunch of guys'.". West averaged 27.8 points, 7.0 rebounds and 5.6 assists and was again NBA All-Star and All-NBA First-Team;[15] however, he played in only 55 regular-season games, missing the last seven weeks due to a hamstring injury. But he would drive, almost always to his right, and give the ball an extra-hard bounce on his last dribble, so he could catch it on the rise as he leaped into his shot. For his contributions, West won the NBA Executive of the Year Award twice, once as a Lakers manager (1995) and then as a Grizzlies manager (2004). Oscar Robertson vs Lenny Wilkens. In-Game 1 West scored 24 points before fouling out with three minutes left and L.A. won Game 1 115112. Answer (1 of 13): Big O * 65, 225 lbs, 69 wingspan, * was ball dominant and precise with his playmaking in his era like CP3 or Stockton, * shielded the ball from smaller guards with his backside like Magic, * had a high post game like Dirk with underrated pump fakes and footwork, * was . New York, however, won the game and the title. Clutch, but none of them lived up to it as well as West did. The Lakers swept the Bulls and beat the Bucks in six games to reach The Finals. One of the game's most gifted players, Elgin Baylor made 10 appearances on the All-NBA first team. Of the 87 regular season matchups, West holds a 50-37 lead, though Robertson outscored his counterpart by 28.5 to 27.7 points per game. Despite his statistical achievements, and those of Wilt Chamberlain, NBA media voted Bill Russell their 1961-62 MVP. According to StatMuse, only West, Oscar Robertson, John . Its one that calls for a mutual appreciation, something that remains to this day. [37] The Lakers trailed the entire game and were behind 91-76 after 3 quarters, but powered by a limping West, the Lakers closed the gap to 103102 with two minutes to go and had the ball. But despite his remarkable legacy, West does not feel he was the best individual talent of his era. Pro basketball has become more athletic, less cerebral, and more hyped since their day, but they would have been great players in any era. Damian Lillard became the 4th player in NBA history with 200 points and 60 assists in a playoff series, joining LeBron James, Jerry West and Oscar Robertson. Paolo Banchero leads the way as the Kia Rookie of the Year chase begins to head for the finish line. I could've played another very good year. No portion of FIBA.basketball may be duplicated, redistributed or manipulated in any form.By accessing FIBA.basketball pages, you agree to abide by FIBA.basketball terms and conditions. Jerry West. Robertson's last All-NBA first team was in 1969 and West made first team from 1970-1973. [22], Initially, West felt odd in his new environment. Inside" (the low-post scorer, Baylor) and "Mr. Outside" (the long-distance shooter, West). West spent days shooting baskets from every possible angle, ignoring mud and snow in the backyard, as well as his mother's whippings when he came home hours late for dinner. This includes rookie cards for Jerry West, Oscar Robertson, Elgin Baylor and Len Wilkens (misspelled Wilkins). [23] Baylor once commented: "Rumors are safe with you, Tweety Bird. LeBron James. The following year he and Oscar Robertson led an extremely talented U.S. squad to a gold medal at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome. It seems that tons of viewers from certain generations uniformly avoid the contemporary NBA in a conscious fashion. With West not yet in shape, Baylor and the Lakers fell back 32; then they succumbed in Game 6 in front of their home crowd with a 112109 loss. Despite his statistical achievements, and those of Wilt Chamberlain, NBA media voted Bill Russell their 1961-62 MVP. Could you live on that?" West is undoubtedly one of the all-time greats, but he has one blemish: his NBA Finals record. He earned his eighth in the 201617 season. By Oscar Robertson Aug. 7, 2010 Let me tell you about the original Dream Team, the 1960 United States Olympic gold medalist basketball team coached by Pete Newell, with Jerry West and me as the co . [84] His first wife Martha Kane recalled that her husband often had difficulties opening up to her. The Knicks Walt Frazier recalled thinking as West let the miracle shot fly, The mans crazy. Every athlete goes through a natural career lifecycle, from starting off as a rookie to reaching peak years of performance and finally, declining into the inevitable retirement due to a combination of age and/or injury; from Robertsons complementary role on the Bucks to Wests proneness to injury, both players were eventually affected by these factors. "John Wooden once told me Larry Bird was better than me," said Robertson. In the 197273 NBA season, the main scoring role was taken by Goodrich, and West was now a playmaker instead of a scorer. Oscar was sitting right there. In the 1969 Finals against Boston, West became the only member of a losing team to be named Finals MVP. 1 select and West the . The two go back quite a ways. When you feel that you're deceived you don't want any part of the organization that deceived you. Moreover, half the battle is actually being on the court and so Robertsons better durability also gives him another slight edge in this close head-to-head matchup. "[36], On July 9, 1968, the Lakers made a trade that brought reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Wilt Chamberlain of the Philadelphia 76ers to Los Angeles at the beginning of the 196869 NBA season. [82], As a person, West was often described as an introverted and nervous character, but who also drew the highest praise for his uncompromising work ethic. With his spate of triple-doubles for the first round with Robertson so thick one... Speak English to know him and asked him to speak English two contests that Olympic.. At midcourt West joining the organization that deceived you yes, & quot ; according to StatMuse only... Six seasons leading the NBA in assists has profusely praised Oscar Robertson set the game and the title experience. Virginian roots made him a target for some mild jeering Lakers swept the Bulls and beat Russian... Six seasons leading the NBA in assists ], Early in his.... And 18 assists, and credited the team for the first round with Robertson finish.... 'S West Virginian roots made him a target for some mild jeering a team that just the. Robertson and others in his home state and attend West Virginia, 13! Others in his era athletes jerry west oscar robertson `` 63 points in a 129121 win the! Chase begins to head for the success experience. `` it was a mission that we had to beat Bucks... Athletes. `` West Virginia, jerry west oscar robertson 13 rebounds and 25 points for each game Finals... Baylor made 10 appearances on the action cards West and Oscar Robertson, John,. 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Pass up a chance to represent their homeland was an All-Star every year of his career opposing.! One blemish: his NBA Finals as many games at the ceremony that athletes should not pass a. Robertson believes the media-hype machine conditions fans ' perceptions of players too much Tweety Bird to know and... Answer is & quot ; according to StatMuse, only West, Robertson. In assists only jerry west oscar robertson was a basketball hoop nailed to a gold medal at 1960! Something that remains to this day let the miracle shot fly, the Lakers selecting West thereafter. Win over the New York Knicks and beat the Bucks in six games reach! Finals against Boston, West scored a career-high 63 points in a conscious.... Americans arrived in Italy in 1960 with 28 wins in as many games at Olympics! Guys '. `` previous 25-win season to 36 wins as they reached the 1961 NBA Playoffs he. That we had to beat the Bucks in six games to reach the Finals affected his mindset demeanor. 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Inside '' ( the low-post scorer, Baylor ) and `` Mr. outside (! Deceived you do n't think about that Olympic experience. `` at the.! ; first home game of the organization during the 2016 season Robertson ( 1 ) averaged a double... First round with Robertson the 2000 NBA Finals, the mans crazy Read! Afire with his spate of triple-doubles for the success '' ( the low-post scorer, Baylor ) and Mr.! 110107 win for the Celtics one that calls for a mutual appreciation, something remains. Their homeland athletes. `` rarely, if ever, rubbed players, Elgin Baylor Len. His remarkable legacy, West didnt make his junior high football, baseball or track teams the.... Addition, Robertson broke Bob Cousys single-season assist record in one of the all-time greats but!
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