Jerry West’s son gets notable NBA team promotion

Mar 15, 2019; Los Angeles, CA, USA; LA Clippers executive board member Jerry West reacts in the first half against the Chicago Bulls at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The son of the late Jerry West is moving up the totem pole.

The Golden State Warriors announced on Friday that Jonnie West, the youngest son of the basketball icon Jerry, has been promoted to their Senior Director of Pro Personnel. Jonnie is heading into his 13th season with the Warriors and previously served as their Director of Pro Personnel and as their Director of Basketball Operations. Prior to that, Jonnie held multiple management roles for the Santa Cruz Warriors (Golden State’s affiliate in the G League).

The 36-year-old Jonnie, who is also notably married to ex-LPGA champion Michelle Wie, has followed in his father’s footsteps in more ways than one. Jonnie played college basketball at West Virginia, Jerry’s alma mater, and later began with the Warriors organization while his father was still there (Jerry was an executive board member for the Warriors from 2011-17).

Earlier this year, Jerry died at the age of 86. But his legacy continues to live on, including through his sons Jonnie and Ryan (the latter of whom works in another NBA front office with the Detroit Pistons).