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Warriors: David West announces retirement from NBA

By Andrew Ites

OAKLAND, CA - APRIL 28: David West #3 of the Golden State Warriors handles the ball against the New Orleans Pelicans during Game One of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 28, 2018 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - APRIL 28: David West #3 of the Golden State Warriors handles the ball against the New Orleans Pelicans during Game One of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 28, 2018 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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After 15 years in the NBA, Warriors center David West has decided to hang up his sneakers after announcing his retirement on Twitter.

David West joined the Warriors in the summer of 2016 to chase a championship on a one-year deal worth $1.55 million and has been a key veteran contributor during the Golden State’s run of back-to-back titles.

West scored 5.8 points per game with 3.1 rebounds, 2 assists, and 0.9 blocks in over 13 minutes per night during his two seasons in Golden State.

The advanced statistics do a good job of explaining just how big of an impact West had when he was on the floor.

Last season West finished the year with a player efficiency rating of 20.9 and a true shooting percentage of 60%.

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He was also extremely effective on the defensive end ranking eighth in the entire NBA in defensive real plus-minus last season and tenth in that category in 2016-17.

West was the best center on the Warriors’ roster for most of the past two years as his ball movement, mid-range shooting, and basketball IQ were unmatched by many players in the league.

West’s veteran leadership was also incredibly valuable in the locker room, especially last season when Golden State had to go through some major adversity with injuries and come back from a 3-2 deficit in the Western Conference Finals.

West’s retirement announcement was eloquent as one would expect from one of the most thoughtful players in the NBA:

"“We are but a collection of our experiences. I have been fortunate enough to live out my childhood dream of playing in the NBA. After 15 seasons I have decided to retire from the game of basketball. I am humbled and thankful for the support of my family, friends, coaches, teammates, organizations and fans throughout the experience. To anyone who has ever cheered me on, been in my corner, prayed or simply said a nice word on my behalf, I am grateful. Belief in yourself is non-negotiable. Cheers!"

Golden State will have a void to fill at the center position next year.

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With Zaza Pachulia, JaVale McGee, and David West all gone and DeMarcus Cousins still recovering from his ruptured Achilles, the Warriors’ young trio of big men will need to step up.

Damian Jones, Kevon Looney, and Jordan Bell will all be given an opportunity to win a starting job next season, and it’ll be interesting to see who comes out on top in that competition.

But today we reflect on the fantastic career of David West and what he has meant to the organization. He will be missed, but never forgotten.

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