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
5 of 5
Next

What is your best David West memory?

Donahue: I don’t have a single memory. Ultimately, my best impression from the David West Pacers was just the sense that the Pacers had regained the toughness and identity that had been hallmarks of their best teams throughout their history. The hope, the belief, and the comfort that Mr. West was in the building was a welcome balm after years of bad teams and unlikable players. David West was the face of the Pacers finding themselves again. And, from a personal perspective, there was no player easier to talk to — or more capable of giving you 5 minutes around which you could build an article. Kevin Pritchard once said, “David West is who the Pacers want to be.” Who will the Pacers be now?

When David West first joined, he was this tough bulldog on the floor whose combination of physicality and poise was admired by all rooting for the blue and gold.

Stewart: When David West first joined, he was this tough bulldog on the floor whose combination of physicality and poise was admired by all rooting for the blue and gold. Though it became a pretty huge issue for me later in his time with Indiana, the way he would go after refs and other players verbally always provided a good chuckle. His tenacity in the Heat and Atlanta series was more than appreciated, and I’ll always remember him as a true leader and veteran.

Barth: Every single time he yelled “And 1!” after putting up a shot in traffic in the low post. Not to mention the way he would specifically target a young power forward at the outset of the game and back him down by putting a forearm or shoulder into his chest over and over again on his way to an easy basket. It always reminded me of when I would get matched up with a bigger, older dude for a pickup game, knowing I was about to take a beating. Someone you hated to go toe to toe with. That to me was the essence of David West.

Lukach: There’s no singular moment I can think of, just all those mid-range jump-shots, especially the ones that saved what was always a struggling Pacers’ offense against playoff opponents like the Heat. Also: that face.

Next: Everything You Need to Know About Who the Pacers Will Draft

More from 8 Points, 9 Seconds

Home/Pacers News