Pacers on the verge of rebuilding -- if David West opts out
Last week, it was reported that Indiana Pacers forward David West would become a free agent and decline his contract option for next season. But as Bob Kravitz of WTHR.com reports, the Pacers insist they've heard no such thing from West or his representation.
The deadline for West to pick up his option is the stroke of midnight on Monday, and all indications remain that he in fact opt out. And if you operate under the assumption that West won't be back next season, then Indiana could be entering some pretty shaky territory. In the span of just a couple seasons, the team will have gone from championship contender to rebuilding lottery team.
And West's departure would be the nail in that coffin, Kravitz writes:
"Unless you're around this team on a regular or semi-regular basis, you don't understand West's role as the team's designated grown-up — the centered, emotional Buddha for that team. When guys acted up or acted out, West was there to hold people accountable for their actions. He was a pro's pro, a guy who absolutely understood how to lead by example. No, he isn't the same player he was when he became the best free agent signee in the franchise's limited free-agent history, but he still gave the Pacers roughly 12 points and six rebounds and a high defensive IQ."
The worst part? That kind of veteran leadership is invaluable when a team enters a rebuild. It's hard to ask such a veteran to stick around when the losses pile up and there's no chance at a ring. But such a locker room presence can help young players who are otherwise in tanking situations understand what it means to be a professional and how to be a winner.
Maybe the Pacers are right, and West hasn't opted out, and there's still a chance next season. They certainly better hope so. Without West, this is a team that takes a big step backwards -- and becomes a team missing its leader.
(h/t WTHR)
Photo Credit: Frank Victores/USA TODAY Sports
