New Orleans Pelicans All-Time Team: Starting 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

Austin (@apete1993): David West

This may not have been the most popular choice with the rise of Anthony Davis taking over the league. but West was one of the longest tenured members of the franchise. Playing eight seasons total in New Orleans, West was the starting power forward for arguably the franchise’s best teams.

He was a two-time All-Star, averaging over 16 points per game and 7 rebounds per game. People may think that West’s success came from the benefit of playing alongside Chris Paul, one of the league’s best point guards. That isn’t the case though as West’s career still stayed steady when he decided to sign with Indiana in the summer of 2011, showing that he was still one of the league’s best power forwards without having Paul as his facilitator.
West over Davis for the starting power forward spot has more to do with longevity than it does talent. Davis is a clear MVP candidate in this league, but he has only played three seasons in New Orleans. West was a stalwart in the New Orleans lineup for many years, making it to two All-Star games during that span.

Next: Matt's Selection