Apr 13, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward David West (21) posts up Oklahoma City Thunder forward Serge Ibaka (9) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Scenario #2
Indiana Pacers receives Reggie Jackson, Kendrick Perkins, and Jeremy Lamb
Oklahoma City Thunder receives C.J. Watson and David West
The Pacers aren’t going anywhere without Paul George. Even when they were the best team in the East last season (at least during the regular season), they didn’t get much out of the point guard position and failed to consistently score if George wasn’t doing all the heavy lifting. Jackson gives them that second scoring option when George returns next year and maybe Indiana’s defensive system can mask all of his defensive deficiencies. Lamb is a cheap option at shooting guard who could possibly be a solid scorer if given a chance while Perkins might toughen Roy Hibbert up a little.
The Thunder get a solid, low maintenance back-up point guard who can run the offense along with an intense veteran. Watson will provide decent numbers, but West is the big catch here. He’s a guy who can still contribute on both ends and a guy who you want to go to battle with in the playoffs.
There are two potential downfalls to West. First, he has a player option for $12.6 million next year that he’s likely to pick up. Second, he’d have to be willing to come off the bench. West strikes me as a guy who just wants to win, so if that means coming off the bench, but still playing significant minutes, I feel like he’d make that sacrifice at least for this season. Like Lopez, if he’s unhappy with his bench role, maybe he doesn’t pick up his option.
Next: Scenario No. 3