West to leave Grizzlies on July 1
MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Jerry West will leave as the Memphis Grizzlies' director of basketball operations July 1, ending a five-year stint with the former expansion franchise.
West, one of the NBA's great players and executives with the Los Angeles Lakers, disclosed his plans Tuesday during an end-of-season meeting with reporters. The 68-year-old West had been under contract only through this season.
The Grizzlies (21-60) have the worst record in the league and their troubles on the court have been compounded by the possible sale of the club. West fired Mike Fratello in December and hired Tony Barone as an interim coach.
West, whose silhouette from his playing days is featured on the NBA logo, won eight NBA titles as either a player, executive or consultant with the Lakers.
West startled the NBA in April 2002 by agreeing to come out of retirement and to take over in Memphis. He helped Memphis turn in record seasons and reach three straight playoffs but set a league record for 12 straight posteason losses.
