Pelica Debrief
Fansided

New Orleans Pelicans All-Time Franchise Team: Backup Power Forward

By Matt Cianfrone

facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 7
Next

Oct 30, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Indiana Pacers power forward

David West

(21) against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half of a game at New Orleans Arena. The Pacers defeated the Pelicans 95-90. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Rick (@RickStoneNBA): David West

The current superstar of New Orleans basketball may make people forget about one of the best players to wear a New Orleans jersey in David West. During the first rise of basketball in New Orleans which was led by Chris Paul, David West was the extremely formidable partner in crime. The combo of Paul and West made life very difficult for other teams.

Live Feed

NBA rumors: Blazers, Lillard prepare to start season together, Trey Murphy injury update, Tatum on Cooper Flagg
NBA rumors: Blazers, Lillard prepare to start season together, Trey Murphy injury update, Tatum on Cooper Flagg /

FanSided

  • NBA rumors: Tatum recruited Lillard, Ingram benching explained, Cuban says the quiet part loud FanSided
  • Grade the Trade: Blazers take no-brainer swing in proposed Lillard deal Rip City Project
  • 3 teams who should be prepping trade offers for Giannis Antetokounmpo FanSided
  • The Whiteboard: Paolo Banchero shows small ball upside at FIBA World Cup FanSided
  • Pelicans projected lineup and rotations heading into 2023-24 season FanSided

    • David West spend eight seasons in New Orleans and found a nice spot in the starting rotation in his third season. In his six seasons as a consistent starter, West put up at least 18 points per game every season, shooting over 47% from the field every season and grabbing over seven rebounds a game every season. He also never shot under 80% from the free-throw line in any of the six seasons he started.

    The pick-and-roll combo of Paul and West got New Orleans into the playoffs twice, including the trip to the second round against the Spurs in 2007-2008. In 12 games, West put up 21 points per game, 6.8 rebounds per game and 1.9 blocks per game. West’s shining moment was game five against the San Antonio Spurs, where he put up a massive 38 points and 14 rebounds in a home route of San Antonio.

    David West is still playing basketball as a San Antonio Spur, but his impact for New Orleans basketball in his eight seasons on the team should not be understated. His ability to be deadly off the pick-and-roll and shooting from the elbow was a skill that made life difficult for opposing teams and made life easier for the team. New Orleans’ brightest playoff run was highlighted by Chris Paul, however David West’s impact during the biggest moment in the history of the city should not be understated.

    Next: Matt's Guy

    Home/Pelicans News