Jerry West, the legendary Hall of Fame basketball player and executive, has been a significant figure in the NBA for over 60 years. With his recent passing at the age of 86, the league and fans alike are reflecting on his immense contributions and impact on the sport.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Jerry West’s legacy is his connection to the NBA logo. For years, there has been speculation and rumors that the iconic silhouette of a player dribbling up the middle in the league’s logo is actually based on Jerry West himself. Despite the league never officially confirming this, it has long been believed in the basketball world.
The logo was created in 1969 by branding expert Alan Siegel, who took inspiration from a photograph of Jerry West, who was a standout player for the Los Angeles Lakers at the time. While there have been discussions and calls to change the logo over the years, it has remained unchanged, solidifying its place in basketball history.
In a 2010 interview, Alan Siegel finally confirmed that the logo was indeed based on Jerry West. He mentioned that while it was not a direct copy of West, it was inspired by his style of dribbling and movement on the court. This revelation added another layer of significance to the logo and cemented Jerry West’s legacy as “The Logo.”
Even though Jerry West was uncomfortable with the idea of being the face of the NBA logo, his impact on the sport and the league cannot be understated. His humility and desire for the logo to represent something bigger than himself speak to his character and selflessness.
As the basketball world mourns the loss of Jerry West, it is a time to celebrate his lasting influence on the game and the league. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players, fans, and basketball enthusiasts around the world. Jerry West may have been known as “The Logo,” but his contributions to the sport go far beyond a simple silhouette on a logo.
