2011 NBA Free Agents: Golden State Warriors and Top Landing Spots for David West

There may not be a more intriguing unrestricted free agent than David West of the New Orleans Hornets. He's a strong power forward that hasn't averaged fewer than 17 points per game in any of the last six seasons. 

In addition to that, West is relatively durable, having played in 70 or more games in all but one of those seasons. There isn't really a team in the league that couldn't use a guy like that. 

Still, some are above others. So, let's take a look at a few teams that would move to the next level with West on the roster.

Golden State Warriors

The Warriors have been ridden with some consistent problems over the years.

They run up and down the floor and score a ton of points. Very few teams are more fun to watch.

But beyond what is and isn't fun, realize the Warriors are also weak inside. They allow too much and don't do well enough in terms of rebounding, especially for a team that shoots as much from the outside as it does.

West paired with David Lee would go a long way in changing that. Even in a difficult Western Conference, the addition of West would make them a top-eight team.

New Jersey Nets

Mikhail Prokhorov has brought a lot of attention to New Jersey, but their win-loss record still leaves a lot to be desired.

One of the reasons for that is that New Jersey doesn't have a particularly strong inside presence. Now, with Deron Williams for a full year, a strong man in the paint will make all of the difference. 

The money is there in New Jersey. The potential is there for a good run of success.

The acquisition of West would go a long way in giving the Nets that cornerstone.

Portland Trail Blazers

The one downside to this move is that they would have to move LaMarcus Aldridge to center, but that's far from the end of the world.

The Blazers have good players up and down the roster.

Remember that they gave the eventual champion Dallas Mavericks as good of a fight as anyone. Only the Blazers and Heat saw a sixth game against Dallas. 

West would be a dependable option and a good guy to have in the paint with Aldridge. With the two of them, opposing teams would have a terrible time matching up inside.

Again, remember the Blazers aren't exactly weak on the perimeter.