Jerry West Responds to JJ Redick’s Comments About Playing Against ‘Plumbers’

West Virginia legend and NBA Hall of Famer Jerry West responded to JJ Redick’s comments about the older era of basketball being weaker than today’s era. Redick mentioned on ESPN’s First Take back in April that West’s era played with plumbers and firemen.

“Obviously the game is completely different, the athletes are completely different. I know JJ just a little bit, tell me what his career looked like,” West said on Sirius XM. “What did he do that determined games? He averaged 12 points per game in the league.”

This all started with Redick debating with Chris “Mad Dog” Russo on ESPN. The two were comparing Devin Booker to Bob Cousy. Redick’s argument was that Booker was better than Cousy because the era back in the 50s and 60s wasn’t as competitive.

“He was being guarded by plumbers and firemen,” Redick said on First Take in regards to Cousy.

West played in the NBA from 1960-74, all with the Los Angeles Lakers. The West Virginia native averaged 27.0 points, 5.8 rebounds and 6.7 assists throughout his entire career. West played in the league with Cousy for just a few seasons but “The Logo” defended his era.

“I was an athlete way before my time. I had a huge vertical, probably no one in the league was faster than me,” West said. “Certainly the competitive part of it I would put myself among any player that played the game. Winning is all that matters, it’s what drove me.”

The 14-time NBA All-Star talked about Redick’s comments for two minutes but his closing statement summarized his entire point.

“I just think it’s very disrespectful,” West said.

Jerry West on JJ Redick's "plumbers" comments

"He's a smart kid but tell me what his career looks like. What did he do that determined games? He averaged 12 PTS a game. Somewhere along the way numbers count."

Watch @SiriusXMNBA video for the full quotepic.twitter.com/erPM5Put2S

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