New York Knicks: William “Worldwide” Wesley joins the front office
By Teresa Powe
Where did he come from?
In the GQ article I mentioned earlier, French also added this:
"In the NBA, all roads lead to one man, whom you’ve probably never heard of: William Wesley—a.k.a. Worldwide Wes—the most connected, most discreet, most influential man on and off the court"
Wes first came into the public eye during the Malice at the Palace. Many asked, “who is he and what is he doing here?”
Over ten years ago, Wes joined his friend and lawyer, Leon Rose at Creative Artists Agency as a consultant. In 2019, Rose was listed as the number two basketball agent in the country. Rose’s list of clients was very impressive and included Carmelo Anthony, Karl-Anthony Towns, Joel Embiid, and Devin Booker, just to name a few.
David Aldridge had this to say about “Worldwide Wes”:
“At any given time, if you look at any sporting event, there’s a very good chance you’re going to see Wes.”
From Allen Iverson to LeBron James, most players know Wes. When a player got into trouble, there was Wes. In the same article French quotes Mike Brown, another Knicks’ head coach candidate: “Put it this way, if I have a problem and I need an outside influence, I know I can call him. We talk all the time.”
Outside influence? I think not. From everything I have read and researched about Mr. Wesley, I would say “outside influence” is the least of what Wes has. Seems to me his influence is inside and out. Can a person’s influence be outside if he has the “in” to owners, players, and coaches?
High school players, college coaches (John Calipari in particular), and college players, NBA players, coaches, and front-office executives covering all aspects of basketball, from shoe endorsements to agents and lawyers, they all know and think very highly of Wes.
French wrote that he once had the opportunity to ask LeBron James about Wes. LeBron told him “He’s a great guy. I met him a few years back. He’s been a great role model for me. I can only say good things about him.” When French pushed for details LeBron went on to say this:
"That’s kind of personal information, honestly. What’s said, what goes on with, you know, our family, stays with our family. But as far as him being a good person – he’s always been good to me. He’s never asked me for anything. He’s always been trustworthy to me, and I respect him for that."
He’s family. He’s a good person. He’s trustworthy. “He’s never asked me for anything.” That is the going mantra about Wes. And it is not just LeBron, every player, owner, or league executive who has come to know Wes says the same thing. He won’t ask for anything and doesn’t need to. His connections and his access to them – is everything.