David West opted out. Whaaaaaaat?
Tim Donahue: While I find it surprising and disappointing, it probably falls short of being shocking news. During the darkest days of this past season, David West was clearly not enjoying himself. There was a brief period around January, where whispers that West would forgo his last year and leave the Pacers became very insistent. Also, while Larry Bird’s comments about playing faster and smaller have widely been considered to be a shot across Roy Hibbert’s bow, the idea had to hit pretty close to home for David West, too. Even with a healthy Paul George next year, the Pacers are unlikely to reassert themselves as a serious contender. While West could be exposing himself to losing some cash in this deal, it’s not hard to see him thinking there are plenty of better playing situations for his final years than Indiana is currently offering.
Kevin Pritchard once said, “David West is who the Pacers want to be.” Who will the Pacers be now?
Scott Stewart: I will definitely miss David West a lot more than I would (or will) miss Roy Hibbert, though I can’t say I’m super shocked. West knew there was a possibility the Pacers would not only draft his replacement but diminish his role as well. Being the team player that he is, though, he helps Indy in the salary cap area as that money can go to a free agent or used to keep Luis Scola and Rodney Stuckey.
Ryan Barth: You had to think this would end one of two ways: (1) West opts-in for one last year on an extremely player friendly salary given his age and sub-par production from last year or (2) West retires as he has suggested several times recently. But with no long-term deal or retirement expected on his horizon, this smells like a savvy vet looking to be the missing piece for a contender like the Cavs, Hawks, or Rockets.
Adam Lukach: Walking away from a guaranteed $12 million and change is a bold move, but if anyone has the personal conviction to do so, it’s West. He’s made $75 million already in his NBA career, and as he has talked about imminently approaching the end of it, his wanting to weigh all of his playing options makes some sense. Plus, between his injuries and the losing, West didn’t look like he enjoyed last season at all.
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