NBA Feature: David West receives minimal love from fans
Standing 6ft 9in and thirty-years-old, David West, is an American professional basketball player of the New Orleans Hornets. He is a power forward. He was declared as, NBA All-Star, for 2008 – 2009.
When you think of David West, a few things may come to mind: Clutch shooting- Sprightly post-moves. The ever-present scowl West displays, whenever he’s upset during a game. To put him in simple words, he had variety. For him, basketball is essential, for the most part. The most important fact about West is that he is not known for being a flashy player. West is known for his explosive scoring capabilities, with his fine mid-range game and threatening inside presence. Apart from explosive scoring capabilities, he is an effective rebounder and consistent on the defensive end. West is an above average ball handler for his size, capable of altering with either hand.
West had great time in the basketball court and set solid numbers. His name, like his game, is not s**y but it is effective. He is nearly mechanical from mid-range, and works a deadly pick-and-roll. West had great contributions towards his team, the face of New Orleans’ frontcourt since 2003, but even then, continues to receive minimal love from fans and pundits (specialists), alike. Not fair at all!
Have you ever thought about it that how much, does the average Hornets fan really know about West, though? Even after a breakout 2005-06 season, in which he finished as a runner-up in the NBA’s Most Improved Player voting and emerged as one of the league’s up-and-coming players, very little has been written about West’s personality. Once in the official website of Hornets, West was asked a question, “How much has the attention you receive from fans changed since the beginning of your career? You are one of the most popular players on the team with fans and probably get recognized much more than you did early in your career?”
West’s replied,
“It’s good to see what has happened, but I am not someone who really yearns for the spotlight. I’m not a guy who wants to jump in front of the camera at every opportunity. I know that it’s something that comes with the territory, that if you play well, people are going to give you more recognition.”
He further stated,
"The one thing, that really has surprised me, is how many people outside of New Orleans and Oklahoma City recognize me now. Certain places we go, (fans) are like, ‘Dave, I know about you…’ That really surprises me, when people call out my name in other cities. That’s really cool. [Smiles] But to tell you the truth, I think my wife gets a bigger kick out of it than I do!”
Outside the court he is a nice man, really concerned about social issues. West is extremely interested in black history, philosophy and various societal issues. He has been cited by Chris Paul (point guard for the New Orleans), as being the smartest New Orleans Hornets player. He is also a gifted musician who plays the tuba. West also loves to make mix tapes for his teammates, saying that it is a healthy habit that keeps him "in the house and off [his] feet." This statement is a hint towards his sense of humor! After going through the article and knowing about the great contributions of such a fantastic player -now you have to decide that - is it fair towards him to be overlooked, by ignoring the way he served the basketball and set records, to entertain the world of basketball? Just think about it!
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