NBA Free Agency 2013: Free-Agent Power Rankings (6-10)

7. David West

Jun 3, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Indiana Pacers power forward David West (21) shoots the ball over Miami Heat power forward Chris Andersen (11) in the second quarter during game 7 of the 2013 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell- USA TODAY Sports

David West has to be one of the greatest success stories of the 2012-13 season.

After having his worst season since he was 24 in 2011-12, the 32-year-old bounced back with a tremendous effort. West averaged 18.5/8.3/3.1 and 1.1 steals and one block in 33.4 minutes per game.  The veteran was an integral part of the Indiana Pacers’ offense this offseason, and he helped get them to the Eastern Conference Finals.

While the Xavier product is obviously a tremendous offensive asset, how is his defense as an aging forward with back issues? Well in short, it’s spectacular. While his regular season defensive numbers were middle of the pack, he elevated his play in the postseason and opponents shot 5.7 percent worse when he was on the court.

Obviously, longevity is the biggest worry when it comes to West’s career. He is the oldest person on this list and has played a combined 14 years of college and professional basketball. At this point in his basketball life, West is probably looking for security more than anything else.

Fourteen years of experience with more than 20,000 minutes in the NBA translates to expertise and wisdom that cannot be measured in numbers. West will act as the wise veteran anywhere he ends up, and having someone with so much experience in the game is a definite plus for any team that needs mature players to balance youthful talent.