NBA Free Agents: David West an Attractive Option for Washington Wizards

Had he not torn his ACL last season, David West would probably be the top target in this year's NBA free-agent class. There just aren't that many two-time All-Star power forwards to go around.

Because things panned out the way they did, any team that ventures to sign West is going to be rolling the dice. He's not exactly a youngster, and there will be questions about how his knee is going to hold up. He's also not going to work for free, if you take my meaning.

Of course, there are a few parties who are interested anyway. Here's the latest from SI.com's Sam Amick:

I have to say it strikes me as a little odd that the Warriors would be interested. The Hornets make perfect sense, though, and so do the Pacers, who must view West as a puzzle piece that could help them keep up with the heavy hitters in the Eastern Conference.

But personally, I think the Wizards might be the best fit for West. Allow me to tell you why.

We all know the book on the Wizards. Led by players like John Wall, JaVale McGee, Andray Blatche and (hopefully) Nick Young, they are a very young yet very talented team. if the group continues to mature and continues to progress, you have to think it won't be long before they're the next big thing.

I suppose you could think of them as the next Oklahoma City Thunder.

But let's face it. The Wizards could use a veteran presence, ideally one who could be a key contributor (i.e. the exact opposite of Rashard Lewis). A guy like West would be ideal.

The thing you have to be intrigued about with the idea of West going to the Wizards is how he would work with Wall. West developed a great rapport with Chris Paul in their time together, and Wall could turn into an even more dangerous player if some of that chemistry rubs off on him. No doubt West would be able to teach him a few things.

The other thing you have to like is that the Wizards would be able to keep West fresh by having him share minutes with Blatche. Indeed, adding West would give the Wizards a pretty formidable frontcourt rotation.

Would West actually come to Washington? That's where I'm a little skeptical. The Wizards have some tricky financial decisions to make with their own guys, and goodness knows West is going to have other options. Even if the Wizards can give him the money he's looking for, he may want to go to a team he knows he can win with.

Still, if nothing else you have to like that the Wizards are interested. It's going to be interesting to see how they play things, and I think they'll be a trendy sleeper this year if they add West.