Hornets F David West Opts for Free Agency

[KNUBB]

Anyone who enjoys good music, food or beverage... You know, red blooded Americans.

[LiquidLarry2GhostWF]

D-West ain't dumb...Paul is gone and Nawlins will have to "rebuild"...why sign long term with them? Go out and get money before the ship sinks.

Nawlins should have Paul on the chopping block yesterday and should get whatever they can from whoever they can (like Utah did for Williams and Denver got for Carmelo).

It is better to do it NOW than when pressed by the deadline and everyone knows you're desperate.

[Kuzzy Powers]

I didnt realize he was so "underpaid". Hes definitely right about being able to bag more then when hes making now.

[Realist]

Meh Landry is a servicable replacement. He played well in West's absence and throughout the playoffs. Maybe he felt Landry would be the guy. I don't know. The thought of CP leaving haunts my dreams and I will be on suicide watch when it happens. Anyone have and suggestions of suicide method?

Cut your wrist...:brink:


Seriously though, I'm having the same feelings, only with D Howard. If he walks away from Orlando, I'd be pretty sour. For the record though, I already expect it.

[Mogriffjr]

PRetty shocking to me...I thought he'd stay one more yeah and show that his knee is healthy and possibly cash in next year.

But maybe he saw that big FA class and knew his chance to cash in was this year, despite messing up his knee.

[Kuzzy Powers]

PRetty shocking to me...I thought he'd stay one more yeah and show that his knee is healthy and possibly cash in next year.

But maybe he saw that big FA class and knew his chance to cash in was this year, despite messing up his knee.

Thats exactly it.. West would be a much bigger commodity in this FA class.. next years class is deep.

[KNUBB]

I understand the logic in leaving, but I was hopeful he would use his option to show that he is healthy and didn't lose a step. Cutting my wrist would be exciting. Especially handling a knife with the knubb.

[ryne candy]

Who'd you follow when New Orleans didn't have a team?

Charlotte. Been a Hornets fan all my life. Mugsy and Larry Johnson were my 2 favorite players.

When they left Char, I left them. I still have my #2 Johnson jersey. I became a Bulls fan soon after, since I already followed the Cubs/Bears. I actually hated Chicago during the Jordan years. I remember being in my room watching the Celtics/Hornets game, when they beat the Celtics in the 1st round.

[dave]

You know the sports world is hurting for news when this guy rates a big story and reaction.

[NAHSTE]

You know the sports world is hurting for news when this guy rates a big story and reaction.

This story was posted on the site for the New Orleans Times Picayune ... hardly the "sports world".

But yeah, when a 2x all-star decides to change teams it usually does register at least a little bit.

[dave]

This story was posted on the New Orleans' local papers site ... hardly the "sports world".

But yeah, when an 3x all-star decides to change teams it usually does register.

I was just about to edit my post and ask "has this guy even been in the all-star game???"

Egg on face, I suppose.

[NAHSTE]

I was just about to edit my post and ask "has this guy even been in the all-star game???"

Egg on face, I suppose.

He's a really good player but definitely an under the radar guy. His last four years he has averaged 20, 21, 19 and 19 points and 9, 8.5, 7.5 and 7.5 rebounds.

Clearly not a superstar but a very useful low post scorer, one who would be an immediate lift to any contending team.

[EmpireWF]

Another reason this is getting more play than it perhaps normally would is the implications on Chris Paul. West is/was the Hornets' second best player. If he ends up leaving, and they can't find a suitable replacement...have to assume the odds of Paul skipping town next off-season improves by that much.

Of course, who knows what the landscape will look like when a new CBA is reached (I assume it'll be either at the end of the year or early in 2012).

[NAHSTE]

Another reason this is getting more play than it perhaps normally would is the implications on Chris Paul. West is/was the Hornets' second best player. If he ends up leaving, and they can't find a suitable replacement...have to assume the odds of Paul skipping town next off-season improves by that much.

Of course, who knows what the landscape will look like when a new CBA is reached (I assume it'll be either at the end of the year or early in 2012).

Yep that too. This is definitely a precursor to the bigger departure. And the to the even bigger departure, which will be the franchise.

[dave]

Paul's a goner, everyone knows it. New Orleans needs to do the Anthony thing and trade him while he still has some value.
Their big dilemma is the team he's going to (Knicks) have already drained all their assets.