Michael Jordan has paid an emotional tribute to Jerry West, following the death of the NBA icon at the age of 86.
West, whose silhouette is used as the NBA logo, died with his wife Karen at his side Wednesday morning.
Jordan sent a text message to Stephen A. Smith to read on First Take after news of West’s death broke.
Jordan said: “I am deeply saddened by the news of Jerry’s passing. He was truly a friend and mentor, like a big brother to me.
‘I value your friendship and knowledge. I always wished I could have played against him as a competitor, but the more I got to know him, I wished I could have been his teammate.
Michael Jordan sent a text message @stephenasmith in honor of Jerry West.
“I am deeply saddened by the news of Jerry’s passing. He was truly a friend and mentor. Like a big brother to me… Rest in peace, Logo.” pic.twitter.com/kvkXqqSf63
– First Take (@FirstTake) June 12, 2024
Michael Jordan sent a statement to Stephen A. Smith regarding the death of Jerry West
NBA legend Jerry West, pictured with his wife Karen and son Jonnie, has died at age 86
‘I admired his ideas about basketball and he and I share many similarities in the way we approach the game. He will always be missed.
‘My deepest condolences to his wife, Karen, and son. Rest in peace, Logo. Michael Jordan.’
Smith later added, “He sent it to me and asked me to read it on the air.”
West, a largely private figure, had been with Karen since 1978 and the couple has two sons, Ryan and Jonnie, the latter of whom played basketball at his father’s alma mater, WVU, and later married golfer Michelle Wie. .
Previously, West was married to his college sweetheart, with whom he had three sons: David, Mark and Michael.
The current NBA logo was created by Alan Siegel in 1969 incorporating West’s silhouette from a photograph taken by Wen Roberts.
The logo was inspired by that of Major League Baseball, which was the silhouette of a player many mistakenly believe to be Twins slugger Harmon Killebrew. (The image is supposedly a composite of several players in the late 1960s.)
West’s logo debuted in 1971, and although the NBA has never confirmed that it is him, there have been no denials either.
But since Jordan signed his statement calling West ‘Logo,’ the greatest player to ever do it has no doubt in his mind.