Daily Knicks
Fansided

Carmelo Anthony: Five Legends Who Won First Title After 30

By Maxwell Ogden

Aug 12, 2016; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; United States forward Carmelo Anthony (15) looks on during the game Serbia in the preliminary round of the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games at Carioca Arena 1. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 12, 2016; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; United States forward Carmelo Anthony (15) looks on during the game Serbia in the preliminary round of the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games at Carioca Arena 1. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next

Jerry West

Jerry West is one of the greatest players to ever grace the NBA hardwood. West is The Logo for a reason, and it’s not just because he’s the one and only player to win Finals MVP in a losing effort—an accolade he achieved in 1969.

Though the rest of his resume is nothing short of sensational, West didn’t solidify it with a championship until he was 34 years of age.

West was surrounded by one of the greatest supporting casts imaginable. Wilt Chamberlain was the interior anchor, Gail Goodrich is an eternally underrated scorer, the late Jim McMillan played a crucial role, and Happy Hairston is a forgotten great role player.

Though he had a clear measure of help, West remained the catalyst for the Los Angeles Lakers’ offensive attack—just see his averages of 25.8 points and 9.7 assists per game.

West led the NBA in assists per game and was named to the All-Defensive First Team in 1971-72. In the 1972 NBA Playoffs, West was second on the Lakers in scoring and first in assists at 22.9 points and 8.9 dimes per game.

Come the NBA Finals, West overcame his poor shooting by contributing as a facilitator and clutch playmaker. The result was his first career title at 34 years of age.

Next: 1974-75

Home/Knicks News