NBA: Top 5 guards of all time

4. Jerry West, 1960-1974, Los Angeles Lakers

Career Averages: 27.0 ppg; 5.8 rebounds; 6.7 assists

Every single NBA fan has seen West without actually realizing it. Jerry West is the player who’s silhouette currently serves as the NBA logo, thus earning him the nickname, “The Logo”.

West is arguable the greatest Laker ever. He played for them his entire career, coached them for 4 years, and was their general manager from 1982-2002, winning 5 championships, 1 as a player and 4 as an executive.

West’s nickname during his career as a player was “Mr. Clutch” for his ability to make a big play in a clutch situation, such as his famous buzzer-beating 60-foot shot that tied Game 3 of the 1970 NBA Finals against the New York Knicks.

Among retired players, there are only 4 players, Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan and Elgin Baylor, who exceed his career average of 27 PPG. Currently, West serves as a head consultant for the Golden State warriors, and also owns an undisclosed minority stake in the franchise.