David West Headed To Indiana

Last season the Indiana Pacers reached the playoffs for the first time since the 2006 campaign, losing to their division rival the Chicago Bulls in the first round.Entering the offseason the Pacers were armed with $21 million in salary cap room and made no secret of their desire to add a major piece via free agency.The Pacers may have found their man to help push the team up the pecking order in the Eastern Conference hierarchy.According to the Indianapolis Star, two-time All-Star forward David West has agreed to a two-year $20 million dollar deal with the Pacers.Even though West is still recovering from a torn left anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered at the tail end of last season, he entered the offseason as one of the league’s most coveted free agents.West, an eight year veteran has career averages of 16.4 points and 7.3 rebounds while shooting a stellar 84 percent clip from the free throw line. UGG Classic Mini 5854 The Pacers had been looking to strengthen their frontcourt by adding a top tier power forward this offseason to play alongside center Roy Hibbert who is coming off his best campaign as a professional.With West in the fold the Pacers’ future appears bright in the ever improving Eastern Conference.The Boston Celtics were involved in talks to acquire West from the Hornets in a sign and trade deal over the weekend, but could only offer around $8 million per season.Officially, the Pacers won’t publicly comment until the 31 year old forward passes his physical but West’s agent Lance Young has already begun singing the praises of the Pacers.“David looks at the Pacers as a good young team with a lot of potential,” Young told Mike Wells of the Indianapolis Star. “He feels his experience and leadership will help a team like the Pacers. He was excited Jeff Foster re-signed with them. He feels like Indiana is the best spot for him and his family.” Pacers starting point guard Darren Collison, who played with West in New Orleans, believes the veteran will fit in perfectly in Indiana. “He gives us a guy who is very talented on the offensive end,” Collison said. “He knows how to space the court and he also makes sure the offense runs smoothly. Defensively, he makes sure everybody is where they’re supposed to be.”