Jerry West’s new autobiography is receiving much critical acclaim because of the way he describes the inner demons, “murderous thoughts,” deep anger and self-esteem issues that helped fuel his journey from childhood poverty into an illustrious NBA career.
But one item really interesting at the end of “West: My Charmed, Tormented Life” details his idea of a dream basketball game.
West details an imaginary game where the greatest of NBA players would play in a game where fundamentals would rule and entourages and glitter would not.
Among the players in the game is Tim Duncan, who West placed on the East team. Gregg Popovich is the West assistant coach, helping Pat Riley run that team.
Here’s a list of the players West chose to play in his imaginary game of the greats (Hat tip: Sporting News.com)
EAST ROSTER
Kobe Bryant, Julis Erving, Dwyane Wade, Larry Bird, Oscar Robertson, Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Tim Duncan, Dennis Rodman, Steve Nash, Charles Barkley. Coaches: Red Auerbach, assistant Phil Jackson.
WEST ROSTER
Michael Jordan, Elgin Baylor, LeBron James, Rick Barry, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone, Hakeem Olajuwon, John Stockton, Jerry West. Coaches: Pat Riley, assistant Gregg Popovich.
West is a basketball purist of the highest order. So it’s not surprising that the man whom the NBA’s logo was based on made these choices.