National Basketball Association

David West's impressive preseason should be encouraging

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The Warriors off season was highlighted by the signing of NBA superstar Kevin Durant. However, the Warriors also picked up others including veteran David West who has played well in preseason so far. West will bring experience and a whole arsenal of skills to the Warriors bench.

Although the highlight of the Golden State Warriors off season was no doubt the acquisition of former MVP Kevin Durant, another one of their pick ups has been impressive thus far. David West, most recently a member of the San Antonio Spurs, has played well so far throughout the first three games of the preseason.

The Warriors are 2-1 after consecutive wins at home over the Los Angeles Clippers and the Sacramento Kings. The Warriors have seen incredible production both from their starters, especially Klay Thompson, and their backups (like Patrick McCaw), but David West has showed his potential use for the Warriors.

West is currently 36 years old and after a good season for the Spurs last year in which he averaged 7.1 points and four rebounds per game the Warriors decided to acquire him to help boost their bench. He also brings something very important to Golden State which is the ability to rebound off the bench.

The thirteen year veteran has shown this ability so far by averaging an impressive 4.7 rebounds per game while only playing 13.7 minutes per contest. West has also been able to score efficiently and has shot .500 from the field while averaging 6.3 points per game.

Another skill that West has shown that he can bring to the Warriors bench is his ability to play solid defense and get a solid amount of blocks. Through the first three games (although it is a small sample size) West has gotten three blocks. Last season he averaged 0.7 blocks per contest and has a career average of 0.8.

The Warriors have gotten off to a good start through the first three games and with four more games of the preseason to go the start of the NBA season is drawing near. No longer will the Warriors last game of meaning be a disappointing loss in the Finals this season is a fresh start for the Warriors (and the other teams) and with the addition of West on the bench, as well as Durant, the Warriors have a very bright outlook this season.

It is very early to decide on whether an acquisition was a good move, but for the low price that the Warriors got West anything he contributes will only add the Warriors incredible team.