NBA Free Agency 2011: Will David West Make Pacers Playoff Contenders?

It's official, former New Orleans Hornets' power forward David West is now a member of the Indiana Pacers.

This is a huge signing for the Pacers and I firmly believe that the addition of West is going to turn them into a legitimate threat in the Eastern Conference.

At one point that wouldn't be saying a lot, considering the relative weakness the East has shown throughout the years. But this season, making the playoffs in the East will be an accomplishment.

Everybody knows the Heat, Celtics and Bulls will be the centerpiece of all the title talk come playoff time in the East, but teams like the Magic, Hawks, Knicks and 76ers have all stepped up and fielded some pretty decent teams as of late.

This isn't the same old, weak conference that was always playing second fiddle to the Western Conference. It's strong and it's growing more and more competitive as its teams continue to develop, and the Pacers are well on their way.

Last season they gave the Chicago Bulls fits in the playoffs. Although they didn't advance, the Pacers showed the NBA that their young and athletic core of players had what it takes to hang with the best.

This years team will be even better.

Last years starting five will all be returning, led by Danny Granger with 20.5 points, 2.6 assists and 5.4 rebounds per game.

They will also be adding former Spurs' guard George Hill, who averaged 11.6 points, 2.5 assists and 2.6 assist per game, who they got via a draft day trade.

Without West this was going to be a team that could cause some issues, but with him they are well on their way to being contenders.

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports was the first to report the deal via his twitter:

With West on this team I would have no problem putting them in the discussion with the Heat, Celtics and Bulls.

He averaged 18.9 points, 7.6 rebounds and 0.9 blocks per game last season, and when added to this roster I can only see him improving.

He would become the main option down on the post, and the Pacers would be able to use former North Carolina stud Tyler Hansbrough as a huge mismatch coming off the bench.

The Pacers are setting themselves up in an incredible position. They are a young and athletic team that was just one or two pieces away from making some noise in the Eastern Conference.

West just may be that missing piece that will turn the Pacers into contenders.