Overview of Bob Myers on Jerry West (The Woj Pod)
This episode of The Woj Pod (hosted by Adrian Wojnarowski) is a tribute conversation with Bob Myers about the life, career, personality, and legacy of Jerry West following West’s passing. Myers—former Warriors general manager and longtime friend/colleague of West—recounts personal memories, anecdotes from their decades-long relationship, and reflections on West’s impact as a player, executive, mentor, and cultural figure in the NBA.
Key topics discussed
- Jerry West’s stature in basketball: player (Lakers, Olympic team), executive, and the NBA logo icon.
- Personal first impressions and early encounters between Myers and West.
- West’s character: dignity, style, hospitality, generosity, and relentless competitiveness.
- West’s role as a mentor/consultant in Golden State and later with the Clippers; impact on championships and team-building (including Memphis era and Lakers).
- West’s relationship with Kobe Bryant (and comparisons to Michael Jordan), and his eye for transcendent talent.
- The tension in West’s life expressed in his autobiography West by West: My Charmed, Tormented Life—particularly his difficulty enjoying success.
- Practical influences West had on Myers: courage, conviction in decision-making, and giving his time generously.
Memorable anecdotes
- First meeting: Myers met West at a barbecue in Pacific Palisades when he was in his early 20s. West surprised him by being engaged, gracious, and attentive—contrary to Myers’ expectation of a distant celebrity handshake.
- Memphis airport pickup: While a young agent, Myers planned to stay at a hotel in Memphis; West insisted on picking him up and hosting him overnight at his home—an example of West’s old-school hospitality and generosity.
- Watching Warriors games: Myers would prod West when players “softly” missed time for injuries; West’s standard—he’d played through broken noses—made him frustrated by players who didn’t play through injuries.
- Drafting Kobe: Myers credits West’s conviction and willingness to make bold trades for bringing Kobe to L.A., noting West’s father-figure role for Kobe and the long-term franchise impact.
Insights and notable quotes
- On West’s relationship to the past: “He did not live in his past glories.” West focused on the present and the next competitive challenge rather than nostalgia.
- On competitiveness: Myers places West alongside Kobe and Michael Jordan—people in a “separate category” of competitiveness that transcended the norm.
- On leadership and mentorship: West’s greatest gifts were “courage to have conviction” and the “gift of time” — lengthy, unhurried conversations and availability.
- On perfectionism: Pursuit of perfection brought both greatness and torment—“if you seek perfection…you can get close to that, but you can never get there.”
- On legacy and rarity: “They don’t make him like that anymore.”
Impact on Bob Myers and the Warriors
- Practical support: West served as a special advisor/consultant to Joe Lacob and Myers, giving counsel during pivotal decisions and instilling conviction.
- Emotional/operational influence: Myers credits West with helping him be bolder as a young GM and with being fully “in it” alongside him—caring deeply and never short on time or attention.
- Championship journey: Myers recalls sharing the climb to multiple championships with West, even if West sometimes struggled to outwardly enjoy success.
Legacy and concluding reflections
- Multi-layered legacy: Myers emphasizes that even without West’s playing career, West would still be an unforgettable NBA figure due to his presence, dignity, and influence.
- Family and final moments: Myers notes West’s pride in his wife Karen and sons Johnny and Ryan, and that the family was together near the end—providing comfort.
- Lasting impression: Myers repeatedly returns to West’s unique mix of competitiveness, class, hospitality, mentorship, and time-giving—qualities Myers considers rare and irreplaceable.
Takeaways for readers/listeners
- Jerry West exemplified relentless competitiveness paired with deep dignity and generosity.
- A key part of West’s value was less transactional expertise than his availability, conviction, and ability to make others feel supported.
- Perfectionism fueled greatness but also caused personal struggle; West lived in the tension between mastery and torment.
- Personal relationships—small acts of hospitality and mentorship—are central to lasting influence in sports and leadership.
Who should listen
- NBA fans interested in Jerry West’s personal side beyond the headlines.
- People who want insight into leadership, mentorship, and decision-making from within an NBA front office.
- Anyone studying how elite competitiveness shapes careers and relationships in high-performance environments.
Notable reference: Jerry West’s memoir West by West: My Charmed, Tormented Life (title cited in the conversation).