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.
Next: Blessing or Curse?
Would the Pacers be better off having David West next season or cap room this summer?
Donahue: It’s impossible to tell. West’s departure represents a foundational change in the Pacers. The identity Indiana forged, and the success they had from 2012 through 2014 simply do not happen with out David West’s presence. They are now fundamentally a different team. However, that does bring opportunities and perhaps accelerates the adaptation to the faster style of play Larry Bird wants. The important thing to remember is that this $10 million isn’t incremental, as I explain here. It provides more flexibility, but it only generates about $5 million more in spending power. Further, it has to cover a lot of needs — be it pursuing a free agent or re-signing Rodney Stuckey or adding salary through trades. Having West offers stability at the possible risk of stagnation. Having the cap room offers flexibility, but leaves more holes to fill.
From a cold, unsentimental perspective: the cap room. If the Pacers brass is serious about changing the nature of the team this offseason, shedding a highly paid veteran like West isn’t a bad way to start.
Stewart: I want Indiana to embrace the decision of West by thanking him for giving us this room. Rodney Stuckey has to be a priority and while he shouldn’t be demanding anywhere even close to $10m, if Bird also wants to keep Scola that money goes straight to them. If not, they could pursue a FA like Monta Ellis like the rumors have suggested.
Barth: I don’t think you can replace his mentor-like locker room presence, raw toughness and overall will to win, but you can certainly replace his stats with a much younger player at half the cost. The cap room probably brings back Stuckey and Scola which could prove to be critical moves for the bench next season as well.
Lukach: From a cold, unsentimental perspective: the cap room. If the Pacers brass is serious about changing the nature of the team this offseason, shedding a highly paid veteran like West isn’t a bad way to start, especially at the linchpin power-forward position.
Next: How to Replace West?
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?
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?
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
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