The NBA summer league in Las Vegas commenced with a heartfelt tribute to the late Jerry West, a basketball legend who passed away on June 12 at the age of 86. Prior to the first game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and New Orleans Pelicans, a touching nearly 20-minute tribute was held in honor of West.
A three-minute video tribute was played, followed by reminiscences from Rod Thorn and Mitch Kupchak, close friends of West. Thorn, who played alongside West at West Virginia, lauded him as one of the greatest players in basketball history and one of the top general managers the game has ever seen.
West, a Hall of Famer and consultant for the Clippers for seven years, was a familiar face at the Las Vegas summer league, often seen courtside at the Thomas & Mack Center observing emerging basketball talents. To pay homage to his memory, a shirt bearing West's image and the phrase 'The Soul of Summer League' was placed on his customary courtside seat, along with a Dairy Queen cup, symbolizing his favorite treat.
Kupchak shared that West's passion was watching young players in action, often suggesting trips to various games to scout talent. He enjoyed being in the crowd, interacting with players, taking notes, and relishing the thrill of discovering promising athletes.
During the recent NBA draft, the Clippers honored West by placing his favorite snacks on an empty seat in their draft war room over both nights. West had a keen eye for talent and was renowned for his ability to identify future stars, exemplified by his discovery of talents like Kobe Bryant.
