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
Nathan (@NathanHeck22): David West
“Mr. West is in the building.” Those words echoed through the New Orleans Arena (it wasn’t the Smoothie King Center yet) every single time David West put the ball in the basket. Needless to say, fans heard that sound clip very often.
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West built his career around catching passes from Chris Paul and scoring at an elite rate. Playing for the team for eight seasons, he leads the franchise in games played, minutes played, field goals, rebounds, and points. He was a fan favorite during his time in the city, and he definitely deserves a slot on the all-time team.
To say that David West was (still is) a good mid-range shooter would be an understatement. During his time in New Orleans, he shot 41.5% from 10-16 feet and 47.3% from 16 feet to the three-point line. For reference, last season, Lamarcus Aldridge (the current king of the mid-range) shot 39.2% and 41.5%, respectively. West’s efficiency was not the result of a low volume of shots, either. His usage rate in New Orleans was 24.3%, not exactly low by any stretch of the imagination.
He was the perfect foil for Chris Paul and Tyson Chandler, and West represented a sort of security blanket. If the defense collapsed, you always knew that ball could get slung out to West who could knock down a 19-foot jump shot like he was taking a layup. He was able to make two All-Star games while playing in New Orleans (2007-2008 and 2008-2009), and he gave the Hornets the perfect complimentary star.
David West did more than score, though. He was a leader for the Hornets during his time with the franchise, and his gritty demeanor endeared him to the people of New Orleans. He’s an all-time great for the team, and he certainly deserves a spot on the all-time team.
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