Why David West Will Be A Sixth Man of the Year Candidate

David West is a former two-time NBA All-Star. He is the New Orleans Pelicans all-time leading scorer. He has started every single game he’s played in since 2005. Now that the San Antonio Spurs have acquired him, he will likely come off the bench.
The Spurs shocked many when they signed LaMarcus Aldridge, beating out teams like the Lakers, Knicks, and Suns. The Spurs weren’t done, as they quickly signed David West to a veteran minimum deal, when he could’ve taken more than $10 million elsewhere.
I know Spurs fans are spoiled as the Spurs have won five titles in the last 20 years and have made the playoffs the last 18 seasons. But what the Spurs did this offseason seemed unfair. It’s sort of like when you override trades to get your favorite players in sports video games.
Nevertheless West will end up being a huge acquisition, certainly more than his pay suggests.
Feb 24, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Indiana Pacers forward David West (21) handles the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder forward
Serge Ibaka(9) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
West will back up Aldridge and Tim Duncan. Last year West averaged 11.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists. West isn’t the player he was in his prime, but he will boost the Spurs bench immediately. The 35-year old is a terrific midrange shooter and an underrated passer. West’s impact will not only be on the court, but it will be in the locker room. He will players like Kyle Anderson and Cady Lalanne in practice. One area West will help the Spurs in is with toughness.
Like many Spurs, West has a ton of playoffs experience. West has appeared in 73 postseason contests. In his career he averages 15.6 points and 7.3 rebounds in the playoffs.
This season, West should put up similar numbers to last season. If he puts up around 11 points and 6 rebounds, he will be a candidate for the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award.