The Memphis Grizzlies today announced that President of Basketball Operations Jerry West has signed a two-year contract extension to remain with the organization through 2008.

West first joined the Grizzlies as president of basketball operations on April 30, 2002, returning to basketball after a retirement from the Los Angeles Lakers, where he served as a player, coach and an executive for 19 years.

“I am very proud of what we have done here in such a short time,” said West. “I am thrilled to be able to stay on, and continue to build a winning franchise for Memphis. The support this city and our fans have shown the Grizzlies made my decision to stay in Memphis an easy one. Memphis deserves a championship team, and I am committed to that goal.”

Under West’s guidance, the Grizzlies have retooled their roster leading to two playoff appearances, while re-writing the franchise’s record books. During the 2003-04 season, the Grizzlies went from being a 28-win team to winning a franchise record 50 games, and earning the first playoff berth in franchise history. The story-book season earned West the NBA’s Executive of the Year award, garnering the award for the second time in his career.

“What Jerry has done is more than build a winning team, he has built a franchise for Memphis,” said team majority owner Michael Heisley. “This franchise embodies winning, character and determination. With Jerry at the helm, the city and the organization can together expect a winning future, both on and off the court.”

Via Press Release

Memphis Grizzlies

Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets