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How Many Points Does Mr. Clutch Average in Today’s NBA?
May 12, 2020 10:00 AM | Men's Basketball, Blog
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Last weekend, Slam Online tweeted some vintage footage of Jerry West shooting jump shots and asked the question, "How many points is Jerry West averaging in today's NBA?"
King James himself - LeBron James to those residing on another planet - chimed in with his thoughts on Mr. Clutch.
"Straight bucket getting," James tweeted, adding, "also could pass the hell out of it too."
James continued, "I mean he could play off the ball (c&s – catch and shoot) and on the ball (pull ups), get to the basket and make free throws."
So, what does King James think Jerry averages in today's NBA game?
"I'd say 24 to 27 points per game with eight assists," he tweeted.
That would make the Logo an all-star today, just as he was an all-star during his 14-year NBA career in the 1960s and early 1970s.
Some of the old-time greats would have a difficult time adjusting to the athleticism and size in today's game, but not Jerry.
What some people forget about the former West Virginia University great was how long his arms were for a player standing just 6-3. That easily made him 6-5 or 6-6 when combined with his athleticism and quickness.
West's WVU teammates said he would often freelance and play robber in coach Fred Schaus' zone press defense, waiting for the ball to come his way whenever the opposing ball handler was tired of dealing with Bucky Bolyard and Ronnie Retton.
West also played on the left wing because Schaus always wanted him attacking the basket with his right hand.
West was not a very good ball handler with his left hand in college, and it wasn't until he got to the pros and eventually transitioned to point guard when he developed his left hand.
More than anything else, it was West's burning desire to be great that made him the player he was. And that trait transcends any generation!
King James himself - LeBron James to those residing on another planet - chimed in with his thoughts on Mr. Clutch.
"Straight bucket getting," James tweeted, adding, "also could pass the hell out of it too."
James continued, "I mean he could play off the ball (c&s – catch and shoot) and on the ball (pull ups), get to the basket and make free throws."
So, what does King James think Jerry averages in today's NBA game?
"I'd say 24 to 27 points per game with eight assists," he tweeted.
Yes he was! Straight Bucket Getter. Also could pass the hell out of it too. I mean he could play off the ball(c&s) and on the ball(pull ups), get to the basket and make free-throws. I'd say 24-27PPG/8assist. https://t.co/bt97HUAvY9
— LeBron James (@KingJames) May 9, 2020
That would make the Logo an all-star today, just as he was an all-star during his 14-year NBA career in the 1960s and early 1970s.
Some of the old-time greats would have a difficult time adjusting to the athleticism and size in today's game, but not Jerry.
What some people forget about the former West Virginia University great was how long his arms were for a player standing just 6-3. That easily made him 6-5 or 6-6 when combined with his athleticism and quickness.
West's WVU teammates said he would often freelance and play robber in coach Fred Schaus' zone press defense, waiting for the ball to come his way whenever the opposing ball handler was tired of dealing with Bucky Bolyard and Ronnie Retton.
West also played on the left wing because Schaus always wanted him attacking the basket with his right hand.
West was not a very good ball handler with his left hand in college, and it wasn't until he got to the pros and eventually transitioned to point guard when he developed his left hand.
More than anything else, it was West's burning desire to be great that made him the player he was. And that trait transcends any generation!
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