8 points, 9 seconds
Fansided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next

Does David West leaving make you think Roy Hibbert will leave, too?

Donahue: There are arguments for and against this, but I’m not convinced that it will have much impact on Roy’s decision. Still, I have a nagging feeling that this makes it (even more) likely for Hibbert to pick up his option — possibly, for no other reason than the fact that it is probably the worst of both worlds for the Pacers. They are left with just enough space to make nickel-and-dime moves, while remaining stuck between who they were, and who they want to be. West’s departure probably makes Hibbert less happy here, but he is probably taking a bigger risk walking way from $15.5 million than he would be comfortable with.

Roy usually has a confused look on his face, and I’d imagine his agent David Falk has seen it numerous times lately as Hibbert goes through his mental gymnastics.

Stewart: It does not. Roy’s agent has been completely adamant in them not making any semblance of an official statement until it’s time, but there have been tiny hints dropped along the way that it’s possible (spending summer in L.A., skipping Celebrity Softball Game, canceling Area 55). I’m not banking on Roy Hibbert opting-out being a real thing by the time the decision is due, but who loses if he goes?

Barth: Slim chance, as I don’t believe these two were ever tied to one another’s decision. It’s one thing for a loyal fan base in a small market to notice the decline of their All-Star player, but when it plays out publicly (and in the playoffs), you know that even David Kahn-like GM’s have all attached the “buyer beware” tag to Roy by now and his value is at an all-time low. For Roy to take this long to decide if he’s worth $15 million next season, it really tells you all you need to know. Roy usually has a confused look on his face, and I’d imagine his agent David Falk has seen it numerous times lately as Hibbert goes through his mental gymnastics.

Lukach: Hard to say. Hibbert’s been a ninja in hiding this summer, and that probably has a lot to do with the Pacers basically daring him to opt out of his deal for next year. West’s decision seemingly won’t affect the overriding factor of $15 million, but if Hibbert doesn’t want to be in Indiana — which seems more than possible — and he reasonably believes he can recoup this year’s salary by signing a one-year, prove-yourself deal and cashing in on the Great Salary Cap Leap of 2016, then maybe he will.

Next: Best of West?

Home/Pacers News