Pacers’ David West Isn’t Capable Of Go-To Role
By Evan Massey
Indiana Pacers veteran power forward David West isn’t capable of a go-to role at this point in his career.
The Indiana Pacers have now lost seven straight games as they enter tonight’s contest at home against the Portland Trail Blazers. David West‘s return hasn’t helped Indiana much at all, and it is becoming apparent that he is not capable of being the go-to option for them anymore.
Indiana was hoping that he could step into the number one scoring role, but that hasn’t been nearly the case. So far this season in eight games, West has averaged just 11.6 points and 6.0 rebounds.
Whether his injured ankle is hurting him or whether he simply doesn’t have the game that he once did, the Pacers haven’t gotten nearly the production that they were hoping to receive. Now that they are well on their way to a high lottery pick, the Pacers could end up looking to move West to a contender where he can be a supporting member of the rotation.
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Larry Bird has made it clear that he will not deal West unless he and West can see eye-to-eye on the destination. West has done so much for the Pacers’ franchise and the city of Indianapolis that it would be extremely difficult to move him. That being said, the Pacers have to focus on what’s best for them as a franchise, and West is slowing down very quickly at this stage in his career.
At this point in his career, West would be much better off playing on a contending team. The Pacers simply aren’t going to get him to the point where he wants to be at, and it might be time for the two sides to part ways. Hopes he he could help carry the Pacers to the postseason without Paul George on the floor simply aren’t going to happen.
It will be intriguing to see what ends up happening between the Pacers and West prior to the NBA’s trading deadline. There is no question that the Pacers will have their ears open looking to make a deal. West’s name will likely be in demand if Indiana does put him on the trade block, so don’t be surprised to hear some rumors coming out about West getting moved.