David West opted out of the last year of his $12.6 million contract with the Indiana Pacers because he didn't think could compete for a title —- which he really wants at this point in his career —- and because he believes the team is completely mistreating Roy Hibbert. The 7'2" center is not exactly a gazelle and the Pacers tried to send a not-so-subtle message in their press conference before NBA Draft when they said they wanted to play small ball and play faster.
This was clearly a jab at Hibbert and a hint for him to opt out of his contract. But with the poor season he had he knew there was no one out there who was going to pay him the money he would have been seeking so he opted in for one last year at $15.5 million.
West talked to WHTR's Bob Kravtiz about the situation and was very unhappy about how the organization has treated Roy Hibbert.
"That's one thing where I wish they would have handled better was the situation with Roy. I'll be honest with you, that bothered me a little bit, and I told Roy that. I'm the type of guy who feels like we're all in this fight together and I'm not designed in that way to put it all on one guy. That did rub me the wrong way. That threw me off. I started some of that stuff, I started thinking 'Whoaa.' I just didn't feel good about that. I told Roy that it bothered me, that he's still my teammate.
You know, obviously Roy wants to play, he knows he's unpopular right now, but we talked and he's going to be a professional. He's always been a professional.... He's going to fight. He's not going to be one of those guys who's going to become a locker room issue."
Clearly, West thinks the team threw Hibbert under the bus and that's just not fair. It could be a very awkward season for Hibbert and the Pacers if they don't find a place to trade him to before his contract runs out next season. You can probably expect some bench blowups and unexpected "DNPs" this year from the former Hoya so be on the lookout!