Call of the wild

Can Jerry West convince Kobe to be star of the Grizzlies?

So Jerry West is a Memphis Grizzly?

Forget Michael Jordan playing for the Wizards. This is more like the Pope taking over at Graceland. But as Bucks GM Ernie Grunfeld told the Memphis Commercial-Appeal: "Jerry West loves a challenge."

And, make no mistake, this is going to be quite a challenge. The Grizzlies have gone 23-59 in each of the past two seasons and have taken up seemingly permanent residence at the bottom of the tough Western Conference. Sure they have some fine young pieces in Rookie of the Year Pau Gasol, Shane Battier, Jason Williams, Michael Dickerson and Stromile Swift, but few believe they're anywhere close to being a serious contender.

The Grizzlies still need a proven superstar, a leader, a guy who can grab all these young kids and show them how to play like champions. In short, they need a guy like Kobe Bryant.

Ahem.

Did somebody say Jerry West?

As in, Jerry West, noted mentor and confidant of the young Lakers superstar? The same Jerry West whom Bryant reportedly calls when things are going bad and he needs advice?

We're not saying Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley is giving West that reported $5 million-per-year king's ransom to recruit Bryant, but the idea should at least make for some spirited speculation on Beale Street.

After all, Bryant could be a free agent in 2004. Might the young superstar, bored with winning titles and sharing the spotlight with Shaq in L.A., decide he needs a challenge of his own? If so, wouldn't he likely first dial up West, the man who took a chance on him as a high school phenom by trading veteran center Vlade Divac to the Hornets for his draft rights in 1996?

Don't think West hasn't thought of it. Among his biggest assets as a team architect is his vision. He patiently courted Shaq for years before the big center became a free agent in '96, while making a flurry of moves to clear the necessary cap space needed to sign him.

West, more than anybody, knows how great the 23-year-old Bryant can become. He knows about his competitiveness and desire to be the best in the game. He also knows Bryant is a lone wolf who wouldn't think twice about abandoning L.A. if necessary to reach his goals.

Whether West ever succeeds in pulling off such a coup, it's a good move for the Grizzlies. West is, by all accounts, a revered figure in the NBA. He has a proven eye for talent and the prestige to attract free agents. He also should aid greatly in the development of volatile point guard Jason Williams, a fellow West Virginia native with whom he is said to share a good relationship.

Suddenly there's hope for one of the league's sorriest teams. And if West could someday add Kobe to the menu, the Grizz would really be sizzling.

Marty Burns covers pro basketball for CNNSI.com. Click here to send Marty a question or comment.

 

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