The Fig Cap: “Thanks for the love DD… you’re making me so goofy right now.”  Yeah, that’s how we roll.

West is one of the more underrated players in the NBA for a few reasons: 1) He plays for the Hornets, a historically “ugh” team, although their future is looking good, 2) He plays with Chris Paul, which isn’t a bad thing at all, especially when you’re on the receiving end of a Paul pass, but it doesn’t help your recognizability factor, and 3) He plays in the Western Conference, which is full of some pretty good forwards.  However, in the fantasy game, all we care about is production, right?  Well, West will keep you happy and put up some very good numbers for your team, especially this much later in a draft.  We’re talking the ultimate underrated PF value pick.  Yeah, I said it… okay, if you get him in the mid-rounds.  If you go for West too early because I’m telling you how good he is, well, that will make him overrated, right?

Round 6, Pick 2: David West, PF, New Orleans Hornets

For those of you in the know, you’ll already know about West, but for those that don’t well, check the past three seasons’ stats to get a glimpse of the potential:

2004-05: 30 G; 18:23 Min; 43.6 FG%; 0.1 3PTM; 68.0 FT%; 4.3 RPG; 0.8 APG; 1.2 TO; 0.4 SPG; 0.5 BPG; 6.2 PPG
2005-06: 74 G; 34:06 Min; 51.2 FG%; 0.0 3PTM; 84.3 FT%; 7.4 RPG; 1.2 APG; 1.4 TO; 0.8 SPG; 0.9 BPG; 17.1 PPG
2006-07: 52 G; 36:30 Min; 47.6 FG%; 0.2 3PTM; 82.4 FT%; 8.2 RPG; 2.2 APG; 1.9 TO; 0.8 SPG; 0.7 BPG; 18.3 PPG

Okay, so the number of games played doesn’t exactly scream Mr. Durability, but considering the other numbers, the upside of going for 18 points and eight boards for your squad can have you overlook the injury issues.  His skill in putting the ball in the basket is proven by his career 48.9 FG% and 80.4 FT%, both of which will help you substantially in the respective categories.  Sometimes, I think the percentages get overlooked, especially if you have someone like Tyson Chandler, West’s teammate in New Orleans, or the paragon of free-throw ineptitude AKA “rim clanging,” Shaquille O’Neal.  It’s not all about the cumulative stats as FG and FT percentages matter too.  And West would be one of the best positive contributors to your team.

Other than the points/boards/percentages, West doesn’t do as much in the other categories, but has the real potential of blocking and stealing the ball at least once (each) per game.  The assist numbers are decent for a power forward, but nothing that makes you go, “ooooh!”  With the nucleus of Paul, Chandler, and West himself (and dare we dream, a healthy Peja Stojakovic), West should do well in helping the Hornets succeed this season.

Since Elton Brand is lost for this team for a bit, adding West and his glass cleaning numbers will help cushion the blow, as well as West’s points.  His real-life teammate, Paul, is his fantasy teammate here as well. Butler and Martin will have the threes and steals covered, as well as adding more points to the weekly or season total for your team, dependent on the type of league. Odom will help with assists and boards primarily, so even with the loss of Brand, the team is looking very good and comprehensive.

Other Players on this Fantasy Team:
1.11. Elton Brand, PF/C, Los Angeles Clippers
2.2. Chris Paul, PG, New Orleans Hornets
3.11. Caron Butler, SF, Washington Wizards
4.2. Kevin Martin, SG, Sacramento Kings
5.11. Lamar Odom, SF/PF, Los Angeles Lakers

Previous Picks this Round
6.1. Jason Terry, PG/SG, Dallas Mavericks

Previous Round Selections
Round One Recap
Round Two Recap
Round Three Recap
Round Four Recap
Round Five Recap