NBA legend and Golden State Warriors executive Jerry West (left) poses with the “Splash Brothers” Klay Thompson and Steph Curry. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, file)
Former NBA superstar Jerry West is known as an executive for the Golden State Warriors these days. But for hardcore fans, he’s certainly best remembered as the inspiration behind the league’s iconic logo.
The 78-year-old Laker legend previously suggested that all-time great Michael Jordan replace his silhouette in the NBA’s trademark logo.
READ: Jerry West believes Michael Jordan should be new NBA logo
In a recent interview on ESPN’s the Jump, the man nicknamed “Mr. Clutch” once again expressed his displeasure over the longtime symbol.
“I wish that had never gotten out that I’m the logo,” he revealed. “I really do. I’ve said it more than once, and it was flattering that’s me.”
Although West appreciates the designation, the low-key executive does not fancy the attention that comes with it.
“I played in a time when they first started to try to market the league. There were five people that they were gonna consider. I don’t like to do anything to call attention to myself,” he said.
The league started to use West’ image in 1969 when Alan Siegel of the branding firm Siegel+Gate stumbled upon the image of West during his playing days.
Former NBA Commissioner David Stern has been reluctant to confirm that it is indeed West’s image, history.
West, on the other hand, has been named an All-Star throughout his 14-year playing career with the Los Angeles Lakers. He was named among the NBA’s 50 Greatest Players in 1996. Khristian Ibarrola /ra