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8p9s Roundtable: David West Is Gone

By 8 Points, 9 Seconds Staff, 8 Points, 9 Seconds Staff

Jan 25, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Indiana Pacers forward David West (21) looks on from the bench at a timeout during the second half against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Indiana Pacers defeated the Orlando Magic 106-99. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 25, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Indiana Pacers forward David West (21) looks on from the bench at a timeout during the second half against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Indiana Pacers defeated the Orlando Magic 106-99. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Out of feasible options, what is the Pacers best route to replacing David West?

Donahue: At this stage of the game, I wouldn’t focus on replacing West, specifically. There will be the temptation to use either the pick or the money to get a replacement, but I’m not sure either would be enough to fill David’s shoes. Instead, I wouldn’t change my target list because of this. If the player I like at #11, or if the player I can trade for, or the player I can sign is a power forward, then great. If not, then the Pacers would probably be better served using a committee of the cheap (Luis Scola, Lavoy Allen), young (Damo Rudez, Shayne Whittington), or experimental (Paul George) to cover the 4 for a year, while they decide what the best long-term options are.

The draft. Cauley-Stein, Kaminsky, Turner, and Lyles could all be solid replacements for Mr. West.

Stewart: If Hibbert doesn’t opt-out, then Indiana’s best option is the draft. They could either try to deal their way up a few spots and grab Willie Cauley-Stein, or wait for guys like Myles Turner and Frank Kaminsky to come around (though Pacers fans seem iffy on either of the last two names). However, if Roy somehow magically opts-out and the Pacers have a lot of cash at their disposal, free agency would be the best route with guys like LaMarcus Aldridge and Kevin Love available.

Barth: The draft. Cauley-Stein, Kaminsky, Turner, and Lyles could all be solid replacements for Mr. West. Basically, anyone who can run the floor a lot quicker and still be able to bang down low with no regard for human life should fill the slot nicely. In-house it sounds like PG could be the long-term replacement if that experiment finds a way to magically work out somehow (although I highly doubt it).

Lukach: Depending on who falls to #11 tomorrow night, the draft. People are split on Frank Kaminsky, but Trey Lyles would be the more intriguing choice now for the Pacers. Not only did he grow up in Indiana, but after playing out of position on the wing for Kentucky last season, he seems like an ideally versatile and malleable young four to fit Indiana’s new style.

Next: Is Hibbert Next to Go?

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