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| Hornets forward David West |
New Orleans Hornets All-Star forward
David West has informed the organization that he will opt out of the final year of his contract and test the free-agent market this summer according to ESPN. Although the 30 year old suffered a torn ACL which required surgery in April, he is still projected to be one of the most highly coveted players available in what will be a less than stellar free-agent class this summer. The two-time All-Star has said that it was his intention all along to opt out and test the free-agent waters in 2011. Unfortunately for him, he didn't plan on that coming both during a major rehabilitation process on his knee, and amid the expectations of an impending league work stoppage on July 1st. With all that being said, how do the Phoenix Suns factor into this. With the loss of Amar'e Stoudemire last summer, the Suns could certainly use a power forward to play alongside center Marcin Gortat. With West having played alongside Chris Paul for the majority of his career with the Hornets, he would almost certainly love the opportunity to be on the receiving end of many Steve Nash assists. His toughness on the defensive end and rebounding abillity would also be a welcome asset in the desert. The potential hold up that may cause the Suns to pass on West would be the injury factor. After citing injury history as a main reason for not offering Amar'e a max deal last summer, the front office may be hesitant to turn around and offer a contract to a player who just recently had major knee surgery. Factor in that West is 3 years older than Stoudemire and Lon Babby and Lance Blanks will have some decisions to make. Blanks has stated that his goal is to change the identity of the Suns organization in moving away from strictly an offensive juggernaut and more toward a well-rounded defensive minded ball club. The drafting of Markieff Morris over twin brother Marcus, who scouts deemed to be the better offensive player of the two, proved as much. Now is as good a time as any for him to start making his mark on the franchise. Blanks should give some serious consideration to adding a piece the caliber of David West this off-season, and show the fans in Phoenix that he indeed has the walk to back up his talk.
