Jerry West Believed Michael Jordan ‘Deserved’ To Replace Him As The NBA Logo

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Tributes are beginning to pour in for NBA legend Jerry West. On Wednesday, The Athletic’s Shams Charania broke the news that the West, who was the inspiration for the NBA logo silhouette, had passed away peacefully at 86 years old.

“Jerry West has passed away this morning peacefully with his wife by his side. A basketball legend, the logo, iconic figure. A massive loss when you think about Bill Russell passing away, Bill Walton passing away in the last year or two.”

While speaking about the Lakers legend after his passing, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith revealed that West once told him that he believed Michael Jordan “deserved” to replace him as the NBA logo.

“The first we had a conversation…He heard me saying that that NBA logo, that the silhouette should be changed to Michael Jordan from him

“He wasn’t calling to refute it. He was calling because he felt like I sounded like it’s something he would refute. And he was saying, ‘Absolutely not. I think Michael Jordan’s the greatest. I think he deserves it.'”

The NBA community, including Jordan, have paid tribute to West after his passing.

“I always wished I could have played against him as a competitor, but the more I came to know him, I wish I had been his teammate… He will be forever missed… Rest in peace, Logo.”