Hornet Without the Buzz: an Interview With David West - FanHouse - AOL Sports Blog

Considering the enormous shadow that his 6-0 point guard casts, David West may be the best unsung player in the league, despite being an All-Star this season. West may have done as much as Paul to get a very inexperienced Hornets team to the 2nd best record in their conference. He averaged close to 21 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists, while establishing himself as one of the best power forwards in the game. At only 6-9, his offensive versatility has been key for the Hornets as he's managed to use his wide range of skills to torch teams with jumpers, drives, and post-up moves. Before the team started beating up on the Mavericks, I had a chance to talk to David.

FH: The pick and pop has been incredibly successful for the Hornets, especially with using you as the primary weapon. Is that set something you've always been familiar with, or is it something you've developed ?
DW: Well, no, it's something that's part of the NBA game, that I had to learn when I came in. It's really popular at this level. To a lot of people, it's the most valuable play in basketball. It's something you have to be effective at if you want to be successful.

FH:You play in a motion heavy offense, and you're leading the Hornets in minutes. How have you managed to maintain that kind of durability throughout the season?
DW: Honestly, just being well rested as possible and taking baby naps.(Chuckle) It's something where you have the opportunity to go out and perform, you want to leave it all out there. I will say that being able to sustain that level is something I'm proud of.

FH:Just when defenses had started to concentrate on your jumper, your post game has developed. How comfortable,offensively, are you in the post?
DW: Yeah, I've worked on that this year. It's a matter of what's going to help win games. All the work I put in, there's been a goal. I'm trying to be a threat all over the floor, whether in the post, or slightly off the block which I started at, or on the wing.


FH: Do you feel like you're sometimes overlooked in terms of your abilities and what you can do, even with the numbers you've been putting up?
DW: It happens. It's natural when you have a player like [Paul] beside you. I don't worry about it, though. I just try and play and be as effective as possible. I've never been the type of guy that's been concerned about those types of things.

FH: Do you try and provide a leadership presence in the locker room or on the court?
DW: You know, sometimes talking doesn't weigh much with guys at this level. I believe actions outweigh what you say. So I try and set an example, and be consistent. And sometimes that's all that needs to be done. It's something technical, I'll try and say something to make us a better team.


FH: Who do you think are the vocal leaders on the team?
DW: A few guys, obviously Chris is the most talkative. he makes sure everybody's in position and doing what they need to be doing.


FH:This season has been a tremendous upswing for the Hornets. I'm sure for most of the season, just focusing on winning games and improving was a big emphasis. But with the consistency that you've shown, have you guys discussed the championship as a goal?
DW: We've talked about it, but we know you can't just say it. You have to internalize it and believe you can accomplish that goal. One, we got to the post season, but now we want to perform now that we're there. We want to approach each game with focus on the intent of winning.

FH: When you entered the league, your jumpshot was baseline only and rarely on display. Derek Fisher said his jumper was developed during the extended rehab from injuries early in his career. Did you go through something similar, or did you always have that range?
DW: No, I've always been able to knock down shots. But the consistency has to be there. So in practice you work a lot on it. And I've been lucky to be able to work on it, and knowing yourself, where you're successful on the floor.

FH: The biggest criticism of this team this year has been the bench play. How confident are you about the bench heading into the playoffs where they are crucial?
DW: We feel good. We've got guys like (Jannero) Pargo, guys like (Bonzi) Wells. We've got veteran guys. I think as a basketball team, we're looking forward to it.

FH: I've read that you're really into music and make mixtapes for teammates. Is that accurate?
DW: I dabble in it. It's a healthy hobby, that keeps me in my house and off my feet. It's something I'm into at all times, whether on my iPod or in my car or whatever. I'm a big fan of music and being able to be in that creative space is good for me, mentally.

FH: If you don't mind me asking, what are you listening to right now?
DW: A DJ White mix tape and the new Lil' Wayne.

FH: Thanks, David, and good luck in the playoffs.
DW: Thanks, take care.

Special thanks to Ron and Ryan from Hornets247 for help with questions for this interview.