Jerry West, a former executive with the Golden State Warriors, was presented the Medal of Freedom on Thursday by President Donald Trump. Other game-changing athletes from the world of basketball to receive what is considered the nation’s highest civilian honor include John Wooden, Bill Russell, Pat Summitt, Dean Smith, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan and Bob Cousy.
West — who played 14 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers and was known as “Mr. Clutch” — was named an All-Star every year of his career and played in the NBA Finals nine times. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1979.
After retiring from playing, West held front office positions with the Lakers and was responsible for acquiring history-changing talent like Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal.
West served as an executive board member for the Golden State Warriors from 2011-17. His influence is credited with helping the Warriors to build a foundation leading to its dynastic championship run beginning in 2015.
President Trump said during the ceremony that the honor for West is “richly deserved.”
Upon receiving the award, West — who was raised in West Virginia and experienced poverty and abuse — exuded the type of humility that is commonplace to great men.
“I swear, my name is going to look like a misprint on this list,” West said. Other sports world icons to receive the Medal of Freedom include Jesse Owens, Joe DiMaggio, Jackie Robinson, Arthur Ashe, Hank Aaron, Jack Nicklaus, Muhammad Ali and Billie Jean King.
“It never ceases to amaze me the places you can go in this world chasing a basketball,” West said.
Now a consultant with the Los Angeles Clippers, West has returned to his family and the city he calls home. His children and grandchildren can forever marvel at West’s silhouette on the NBA logo.
