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

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

Matt (@Matt_Cianfrone): David West

In a way I felt really bad making West just a backup on this team. After all, West is almost certainly a top three player in the history of the franchise and he did an incredible amount in his time with the team. He just happened to get the short end of the stick because of his position and that is why he lands here.

The numbers for West are incredible, especially once he become a starter and constantly landed in the 20/10 area year after year. There were the All-Star appearances that stemmed from West being such a dominating pick-and-pop player, thanks to his great jumper and underrated understanding of where to be and when as he worked in concert with Chris Paul.

But West’s contributions went far beyond his numbers. He brought a toughness to the court every single night that not just spread to his teammates but made sure opponents watched what they were doing. Considering there are like four players in the NBA crazy enough to push West, the Hornets never had to worry about Chris Paul’s well-being with West in town.

With his longevity and talent West would have been the starter at three of the five positions on this All-Time franchise team. Unfortunately for him he played one of the other two.

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