Sharpest Shooters in the west
David West
By Fletcher MackelWhereY'at: David, how does it feel to go from being the hunters to the hunted? Every team in the NBA will now be gunning for you guys.
David WestW: I love that kind of pressure. I think we’re ready for it. Last year didn’t end up the way we wanted, but I think we learned so much. From not going to the playoffs to getting within one game of the Western Conference Finals, I think we’re ready. I want everyone’s best each night.
WYAT: David, you ware the longest tenured Hornet. Describe the sense of accomplishment you feel knowing that you were a cornerstone in building this franchise from a 18-64 laughingstock to NBA championship contender.
DW: I’m not sure what to say. I don’t really think about it. Maybe when I look back I’ll think more about what’s happened here. I remember everything from every team, but I haven’t really sat down and tried to look at the big picture because we’ve still got more work to do.
WYAT: How does it make you feel when NBA experts say the Hornets have no frontcourt depth? How much confidence do you have in guys like Hilton Armstrong, Julian Wright, Ryan Bowen, and Melvin Ely?
DW: I have a lot of confidence in those guys. All of the guys you named played well for us last year. Our bench will do the job when they have too.
WYAT: Do you see similarities between yourself and Julian Wright? Not necessarily in your styles of play, but in the fact that it took you a few years to really develop in the NBA and now you are an All-Star? Could Julian Wright develop into an NBA All-Star in two or three years?
DW: Julian has a great upside. He improved so much once he got into the rotation last year. I can see Julian becoming an All-Star. We’re expecting Julian to take a big step and help us off the bench and if he keeps developing he can be very good.
WYAT: You’ve developed a reputation as the Hornets enforcer…fair or unfair? Do you like playing the role of tough guy?
DW: I just play the game hard.
WYAT: Not to blow your cover…but are you a tough guy off the court or a big softie?
DW: (smiling) I just play the game hard.