Top > Sport > 2005 > October > 2005-10-25

Logo Gets Extended in Memphis

Memphis owner Michael Heisley extended Jerry West?s contract by two years, earning the 67-years old West more than $7 million a year. Did West really merit such a contract extension? Based on his track record with the Lakers, I would be inclined to say yes. Based on his track record with the Grizzlies, I would have to say no.

With the Lakers, West had the reputation of knowing how to spot talent in the Draft. After all, he was the one who selected Kobe Bryant with the 16th pick in the Draft. However, West magic touch seems to have disappeared throughout the past few seasons, after drafting one debacle after the other, and overpaying for mediocre players such as Shane Battier, Brian Cardinal and recently traded James Posey.

The funniest thing about the trade that has sent Jason Williams to the Miami Heat is the fact that when he came out of college, West (then in LA) bent over backwards to get him in the draft (he went 7th to Sacramento). Ever since assuming office in Memphis West was looking for a way to get rid of him.