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New York Knicks Rumors: David West Signing In The Future?

By Kenneth Teape

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New York Knicks Rumors: Does David West Have His Sights Set On Signing With The Knicks?

With the 2015 NBA Draft now behind us, it is time for NBA teams to turn their attention to free agency. For the New York Knicks, this is where they can really make some changes to their team. After adding three players in the draft, the Knicks will enter the free agent period with a boatload of cap space while trying to add more talent to their roster. The free agency period is all about wining and dining potential new clients, so in that sense, the Knicks are single and ready to mingle.

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With the additions that they made during the NBA Draft, the Knicks would do well to add some veterans to the team for their new players to learn from, especially in the front court. One player that seems to have his eye on the Knicks is Indiana Pacers power forward David West.

West, who has a $12.6 million player option for the 2015-16 season, is expected to opt out and become an unrestricted free agent. He is looking to cash in one one more long-term contract, as he is currently 34-years old and closing in on the end of his NBA career.

This will probably come as a surprise to the Pacers, as head coach Frank Vogel believed that West would indeed opt in and return to the team. For a 34-year old, turning down $12.6 million is not an easy decision, as he will be hard pressed to reach that amount no matter where he signs next. While West is still pretty productive, it is evident that he is near the end of the line.

Last season West battled a multitude of injuries, playing in only 66 games. The 11.7 points per game is the lowest per game average since West became a starter in the 2005-06 season. He has started every game since then that he has appeared in. His rebounding numbers were slightly below average as well, as the 6.8 he averaged per game last season is slightly below the 7.2 per game he averages in his career. But, he was able to provide a career-high 3.4 assists per game, as he became more a facilitator in the Pacers offense.

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That is something that could be of use for the Knicks, as their Triangle Offense puts a lot of pressure on their big men to facilitate. In addition to the improved assist numbers, West is also is lights out in the mid-range. Last season he shot 50.4 percent when attempting shots from between 16-feet away and the three-point line. That fits perfectly into what the Knicks are looking for, as they led the NBA in mid-range jump shots.

That would make him a solid fit for the Knicks from a scheme standpoint. Luckily for them, they may not have to put too much effort into signing West, at least in terms of competing with other teams. According to Jared Zwerling, the Knicks are actually atop West’s list of teams to play with next season.


Now at this stage of his career, it is far to question why West would want to join the Knicks. Sure they have a ton of cap space, and will more than likely be willing to offer him a multi-year contract, but the Knicks aren’t exactly close to being a contender. With some other teams closer to being contenders and armed with cap space, it is interesting that West has picked the Knicks as his next destination. If it is true, it is something the Knicks will accept with open arms.

While West’s production slipped last season, part of that could be due to the injuries he constantly battled. The two seasons prior to 2014-15, West was in the top-10 in defensive rating and defensive win shares. The Knicks were bad defensively everywhere last season, so bringing in a player with the defensive pedigree of West would be a welcome addition.

Not only does West fit into their scheme like we discussed earlier, West would be a perfect veteran addition to help bring along the fourth overall pick Kristaps Porzingis. Adding him as a veteran mentor and presence makes a ton of sense.

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Just think of the impact that Rasheed Wallace had on the Knicks when they won the Atlantic Division during the 2012-13 season with 54 victories; West could have the same impact in the locker room, but even more on the court. He demands respect, and would instantly bring that and accountability to a Knicks team lacking in that department with the current makeup of their roster.

That veteran presence he would bring to the Knicks youngsters cannot be understated. He will teach them how to be professionals, and would represent a culture change similar to the ones Wallace, Kurt Thomas, Marcus Camby and Jason Kidd provided just three season ago. Not coincidentally, that was the most successful season the Knicks have had in a very long time. Bringing West in will be the start to putting them back on that path to success.

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