December 11
New Orleans Times-Picayune
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While one New Orleans Hornets All-Star awaits his fate, another could be on the way out. The Hornets are negotiating a sign-and-trade agreement with Boston that would send two-time All-Star forward David West to the Celtics, league sources said. Some reports have the Hornets acquiring center Jermaine O'Neal in the deal, but it could not be confirmed Saturday night. West, 31, opted out of a contract that would've paid him $7.5 million this season. The Hornets had pursued re-signing him. Meanwhile, guard Chris Paul, who played with West for six seasons, is awaiting word on a second attempt at a trade that would send him to the Lakers. The Hornets would liked to have had West back, and Paul's"
December 5
New Orleans Times-Picayune
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The agents for former Hornets power forwards David West, Carl Landry and Jason Smith both said Sunday that the team seems very interested in bringing all three players back for this season. However, Lance Young, who represents West, and Mark Bartelstein, the agent for Landry and Smith, said that their clients are in high demand throughout the league. NBA general managers, as well as coaches, reportedly can begin contacting players today in an attempt to recruit their services. The scheduled beginning of the compressed free-agency signing period is Friday."
December 5
New Orleans Times-Picayune
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With only five players currently under contract and a free-agency signing period beginning on Friday, the agents for former New Orleans Hornets' power forwards David West, Carl Landry and Jason Smith both said Sunday that the team wants all three to return this season. However, Lance Young, who represents West, and Mark Bartelstein, the agent for Landry and Smith, said that their clients were in high demand throughout the league. NBA general managers and coaches reportedly can begin contacting players personally today in an attempt to recruit their services. Bartelstein said Sunday that Hornets general manager Dell Demps – who could not be reached for comment – has also inquired about two"
October 21
New Orleans Times-Picayune
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Just six months after undergoing surgery to reconstruct the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, longtime New Orleans Hornets forward David West on Thursday received full medical clearance to resume his NBA career. West opted out of the final year of his contract with the Hornets on June 27 and will be a free agent when the league and the players association agree to a new collective bargaining agreement. "Cleared today by the DOC…Kne is Gucci!!! Back at it…," was the pronouncement on West's Twitter account Thursday afternoon."
July 1
New Orleans Times-Picayune
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New Orleans Hornets guard Chris Paul reiterated his respect for teammate David West's decision to walk away from the final year of his contract with the team this week, but said West's move might not affect Paul's future here. "Hopefully, it won't," Paul said Thursday at one of his foundation's events with children at Tulane University. "Like I said, D-West is like a brother to me. Anything he does, I'm always going to support him. I would love to play with him. He's the only guy who's been on my team every year I've been in the NBA. But at the end of the day, he has to make decisions that are best for him and his family. "His decision was he just opted out. It doesn't mean he's not coming"
July 1
New Orleans Times-Picayune
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Two summers ago, New Orleans Hornets guard Chris Paul watched as one of his closest friends, center Tyson Chandler, was traded to the Charlotte Bobcats, effectively shutting down the alley-oop combination that came to be known as the "Crescent City Connection." Days removed from the possible departure of longtime teammate and friend David West, who opted out of the last year of his contract with the Hornets last Friday (the official announcement was Monday), Paul said Thursday he hasn't pondered the prospect of never again taking the floor with West at his side. "I don't try to think about it," Paul said Thursday at Tulane, where his foundation sponsored a 3-mile walk for children aimed at"
June 29
New Orleans Times-Picayune
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Another day, another domino that didn't fall New Orleans' way, another reason for each sliver of hope to lessen that Chris Paul will remain a Hornet beyond the next NBA trade deadline. As of Monday, New Orleans' Batman has no Robin. He has no trusted sidekick, no teammate he feels nearly as comfortable deferring to when less than five seconds remain in regulation and the Hornets trail by one or two points, no peer he has seen make multiple, contested winning shots and post his numbers with machine-like efficiency. Forget that David West didn't rule out New Orleans as he opted out of his contract and became a free agent, and the franchise's assurance that it wants to re-sign the power"
June 28
New Orleans Times-Picayune
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Last Wednesday, the day before the NBA draft, Hornets General Manager Dell Demps said he envisioned the team having five to seven roster spots open next year. At the close of business Monday, New Orleans had five players under contract, with a roster maximum of 15. Hornets power forward David West, the senior member of the team who joined in 2003 as a first-round draft choice, confirmed he was opting out of the last year of his contract, walking away from $7.5 million to test the free-agent market whenever that signing period might begin. Hours later, backup center Aaron Gray informed the team he was opting out of the last year of his deal, leaving $1.124 million on the table as he tests"
June 27
Yahoo! Sports
columnist Adrian Wojnarowski
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With forward David West deciding to forego the final year of his contract and become a free agent, he probably has played his final game for the New Orleans Hornets. West will be one of the premier free agents on the market this offseason, after opting out of the $7.5 million owed him in the final year of his contract. West's agent, Lance Young, informed New Orleans GM Dell Demps of the decision Monday morning. His decision could be a prelude to the eventual departure of All-Star guard Chris Paul, who has played his entire career with West in New Orleans. The Hornets might have to trade Paul next season before he reaches free agency in 2012 and start a complete rebuilding process. Indiana"
June 27
New Orleans Times-Picayune
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New Orleans Hornets forward David West confirmed Monday morning he'll opt out of the final year of his contract with the team and test NBA free agency. In a phone conversation, West said he's not ruling out re-signing with the Hornets, but said "I want to win and win big." West said his decision to walk away from $7.5 million in he last year of his contract was in his mind all along, even before tearing the ACL in his left knee on March 24. He had reconstructive surgery on April 12 and has been re-habbing the knee twice daily at his off-season home Raleigh, N.C. The Hornets could still offer West an extension before the current collective bargaining agreement expires at midnight on"
June 25
New Orleans Times-Picayune
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With less than one week remaining before a deadline to decide whether to opt out of the final year of his contract, New Orleans Hornets forward David West said Friday he still hasn't decided to stay or go. West, who tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee March 24 in a game at Utah and had reconstructive surgery April 12, can walk away from $7.5 million next season and test the free-agent market. He must decide by June 30. "I'm going to talk to (the Hornets) later in the day," West, a two-time All-Star, said Friday morning. "I just want to make sure I make the clearest decision possible as to what the next step in my career will be. I'll talk to them later, maybe throw some"
June 23
New Orleans Times-Picayune
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Injured New Orleans Hornets forward David West continues to rehabilitate his surgically repaired left knee at his off-season home in Raleigh, N.C., and General Manager Dell Demps said Wednesday he thinks it's good that West is waiting until closer to the June 30 deadline to inform the team whether he'll opt out of his contract. West can choose to walk away from the $7.5 million he's owed next season and test free agency, though he's coming off April surgery to repair the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee injured March 24. Sources close to West said a decision will probably come this weekend. "I think he's looking at all his options," Demps said. "Whether he opts in or opts out, our"
May 26
New Orleans Times-Picayune
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New Orleans Hornets forward David West is continuing to rehabilitate his surgically repaired left knee at his offseason home in Raleigh, N.C., working five to six days per week, sometimes undergoing multiple sessions daily, West's agent, Lance Young, said Wednesday. West underwent surgery to repair the torn anterior cruciate ligament in his knee April 12, 19 days after injuring the knee in a game March 24 at Utah. "It's going really well," Young said. "I think it's way ahead of schedule right now. He's been in Raleigh full-time, and he's on his way with good rehab and feeling really good about things." Young, of Washington, D.C.-based Octagon Sports, said West, who can opt out of the final"
May 5
New Orleans Times-Picayune
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A summer of uncertainty is in the offing for the New Orleans Hornets, though one order of business should be known before the collective bargaining agreement expires June 30. Power forward David West, who is rehabbing from surgery to repair a torn left ACL, must notify New Orleans of his intention on whether to opt out of the final year of his contract by that date. If West does not exercise his option by then, he'll be with the Hornets next season, whenever that might begin. West could not be reached for comment Wednesday, and Hornets General Manager Dell Demps said he has not yet heard from West about his plans for next season. "It's all on David," Demps said. "It's all David. Nothing on"
April 13
New Orleans Times-Picayune
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New Orleans Hornets forward David West underwent surgery to repair his torn left anterior cruciate ligament in New York on Tuesday. The procedure, which according to the team was successful, was performed by Dr. David Altchek. West suffered the season-ending injury on March 24 in a game against Utah in Salt Lake City. Prior to the surgery, West was undergoing physical therapy aimed at strengthening the knee as much as possible before the repair."
April 12
New Orleans Times-Picayune
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Hornets forward David West will undergo reconstructive knee surgery today to repair the torn anterior cruciate ligament, sources said Monday night. West suffered the injury at Utah on a driving dunk with 22.5 seconds remaining March 24. He's expected to have six to 10 months of rehabilitation before possibly returning. Coincidently, the Hornets played the Jazz for the first time since the injury Monday night at the New Orleans Arena. "You almost forget about it until you watch the film,'' Hornets Coach Monty Williams said before playing the Jazz. "You remember that's the game where you lost one of your anchors. "It's part of the game, and you hate to see it happen to a guy in his"
March 26
New Orleans Times-Picayune
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New Orleans Hornets forward David West tore his left anterior cruciate ligament Thursday night when he landed awkwardly after dunking against the Utah Jazz in the fourth quarter. West is the team's leading scorer (18.9 points a game) and second leading rebounder (7.6 a game). His loss for the rest of the season, including the postseason, deals a serious blow to the Hornets' playoff hopes. They are currently seventh in the playoff standings with a 41-31 record heading into tonight's game at Phoenix. The Memphis Grizzlies (40-32) are in the eighth and final playoff spot with the Houston Rockets, Phoenix Suns and Utah Jazz in pursuit. West said before Friday night's game he just came down"
March 25
New Orleans Times-Picayune
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The New Orleans Hornets gutted out a 121-117 overtime victory over Utah here Thursday night, but in the process may have lost power forward David West for an extended period of time with a left knee injury. West sustained what is being termed as "left knee trauma" on a driving slam dunk with 22.5 to go in regulation. X-rays were negative, but an MRI is scheduled for today in Phoenix, where the Hornets play the Suns on Friday night. West was laid out on a training table in the dressing room, his knee encased in ice, in obvious pain, his face covered by a towel. A large immobilizing splint and a pair of crutches were brought into the locker room."
March 22
New Orleans Times-Picayune
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New Orleans Hornets forward David West has not indicated yet if he will opt out of his contract to pursue free agency after this season, but Coach Monty Williams is anticipating it could happen. "He's earned the right to choose and I've talked to him about that on a few occasions,'' Williams said. "I've tried to show him how diligently I work and prepare so he'll want to come back here. "For us to be in position to keep him is a good thing, but there are going to be teams that come after him. But the cool thing is he knows what we represent and understands where we're going. He's going to be the flagship leading us there.''"
January 27
New Orleans Times-Picayune
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The starters for the NBA's All-Star Game will be announced tonight, and if the vote holds true from the first three announced tabulations, Hornets guard Chris Paul should earn his fourth consecutive appearance, third as a starter. However, Hornets Coach Monty Williams was lamenting the fact Wednesday night, as New Orleans prepared to play the Golden State Warriors with a nine-game winning streak on the line, that two other players on his roster were equally deserving. And, that he likely didn't have enough sway to earn them a spot. Forward David West and center Emeka Okafor are putting up statistics worthy of notoriety, but neither will make the team without the support of Western"
January 26
New Orleans Times-Picayune
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Hero David West wasn't sure how far the fade-away jumper he hoisted Monday night traveled before it found the bottom of the net. Eighteen feet? Nineteen feet? It didn't matter. What mattered was the buzzer-beater that found daylight between the picket-fence arms of 6-foot-10 Serge Ibaka was enough to beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 91-89. West talked about how he wanted the ball in his hands for that final shot, with Chris Paul limping after forcing a turnover with nine seconds remaining. It was a great story, one that embroidered the ninth straight victory for the 30-16 Hornets. It was a story of West, who picked up two quick fouls and became a spectator in a scoreless first quarter,"
January 25
New Orleans Times-Picayune
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Confounded, angry and out of his rhythm since the opening three minutes of the game after picking up two quick personal fouls, Hornets forward David West struggled the rest of the way to find a comfort level -- and his shooting stroke. Fortunately for the Hornets, but not so for the Oklahoma City Thunder, West re-discovered his happy spot -- from 19 feet away at the right elbow over the outstretched arms of 6-foot-10 Serge Ibaka -- with 0.5 seconds remaining to give the home team a stirring 91-89 victory Monday night, their ninth straight, in front of a second consecutive sellout crowd at the New Orleans Arena. West's shot, culminating with his 20th point of the game, came after Chris"
January 25
New Orleans Times-Picayune
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New Orleans Hornets forward David West, who can opt out of the last year of his contract this summer, reiterated his stance on waiting until season's end to make any decisions on staying or signing an extension. A Yahoo report Monday indicated that General Manager Dell Demps had made an extension offer to West's representatives at Octagon, but West said that an extension offer "has always been out there. But just in terms of making a good business decision, I'm not sure that would be smart "I've been saying the same thing: I'm just going to wait until the end of the year, and I want to make the best decision I can make in terms of my future," West said. "I've had an opportunity to talk"
January 21
New Orleans Times-Picayune
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A few times in Wednesday night's game against the Hornets, Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph tried to use a pump fake to help him get his shot over forward David West. But West usually wasn't fooled, and he limited Randolph to 8-of-20 shooting and 17 points in the Hornets' 103-102 overtime victory. As a nine-year veteran, Randolph has had plenty of battles against West, a two-time All-Star. But Wednesday night's game was their first encounter this season, and Randolph said he noticed a marked difference in West's all-around game. "He's a lot better, just a great player,'' Randolph said after the Grizzlies blew a 15-point lead in the third quarter. "He's tough and aggressive.''"
December 22
New Orleans Times-Picayune
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After losing five of their previous seven games, New Orleans Hornets Coach Monty Williams is pushing for more players to step up besides forward David West and point guard Chris Paul. The Hornets made several mistakes down the stretch in Monday night's 94-93 loss to the Indiana Pacers. It led to Indiana forward Mike Dunleavy's tip-in shot just before time expired after a missed jumper by ex-Grace King standout Danny Granger, who scored 27 points. "We've always felt this roster was built for times like this,'' Williams said after Monday's game. "I'm saying tough stuff; Chris is saying the tough stuff. We need other guys to step up. Emeka Okafor plays great defense, but we don't execute down"