LeBron James commented on a post about Jerry West and whether he could dominate in today’s NBA. LeBron James called him a “straight bucket getter”.
Jerry West averaged 27 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 6.7 APG per Basketball-Reference.com. West was a dynamic guard at 6-2, 175lb, with the ability to get anywhere he wanted on the floor and shoot pull up midrange jumpers. West was also an efficient player by shooting 47% FG for his career.
Jerry West would definitely be an all-star in today’s NBA.
He would have worked on his 3 point shot and probably shot around 34-36% from three.
He would average more assists today because of the spacing of the game today. He would be close to unguardable in the screen and roll game with his pull-up jump shot going right or left.
Defensively, Jerry West averaged 2.6 steals per game in his last season in the NBA. He would play the passing lanes and bother Centers in the post. He could average 1.4 steals per game and even more if he was asked to play more defense.
Jerry West could also come off screens and shoot midrange shots and today he would shoot 3’s. Jerry West’s game is very similar to Bradley Beal, of the Washington Wizards.
Jerry West is one of those special players that can play in any era. His IQ of the game is extremely high along with his competitive spirit.
Jerry West would average over 25 pts and about 8-9 assists in today’s NBA. LeBron James is absolutely right that Jerry West would fit right in today’s NBA.
Featured Image: KEVIN PIATT/Flickr
