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Golden State Warriors: David West retires, center spot up for grabs

By Frank Yien

OAKLAND, CA - MAY 26: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets drives with the ball against Jordan Bell #2 of the Golden State Warriors during Game Six of the Western Conference Finals in the 2018 NBA Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on May 26, 2018 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - MAY 26: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets drives with the ball against Jordan Bell #2 of the Golden State Warriors during Game Six of the Western Conference Finals in the 2018 NBA Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on May 26, 2018 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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With David West’s retirement, three centers from the Golden State Warriors’ championship team last year are now gone. Who will be the starting center?

The Golden State Warriors‘ David West, a key role player for the past two seasons, announced his retirement today.

With Zaza Pachulia going to the Detroit Pistons and JaVale McGee signing with the Los Angeles Lakers, West’s retirement marks the third center to depart from the Warriors as the team looks to younger, more versatile players.

West’s impending retirement had been widely speculated after a 15-year career that included two All-Star appearances and two NBA titles.

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West played in 73 games last season, coming off the bench usually in the second quarter as part of the second unit.  He averaged 14 minutes per game and was a reliable defender.

As a scorer, he could both face up an opponent as well as score from the low post.

West, 38, spent his first eight years with the New Orleans Hornets, followed by four seasons with the Indiana Pacers and one year with the San Antonio Spurs.

West openly expressed his desire to play on a championship team, and accomplished that goal in his two years with the Golden State Warriors.

David West was a fan favorite and a veteran voice in the locker room. His presence will be missed.

The Warriors will enter the 2018-19 season with DeMarcus Cousins, Kevon Looney, Jordan Bell, and Damian Jones available at the center position. Cousins though, will likely debut in January or February as he continues to recover from his Achilles injury.

While one could assume Cousins will be the starting center when healthy, the other Warriors will have time to showcase their abilities in the first half of the season in a bid for minutes once he does return.

Looney played impressively in the 2018 post-season. He played in all 21 playoff games and started in five. Looney often had to defend smaller players as teams switched to get mismatches.

Jordan Bell is the most athletic of the Golden State Warriors centers, and formed a good chemistry on the court with his teammates, especially Draymond Green.

Injuries slowed down Bell’s rookie campaign, causing him to miss 25 games, but he was healthy during the playoffs.

Damian Jones is still an unknown as he enters his third year with the team. The seven-footer has spent most of his time either injured or in the G-League. Jones has played only 25 games in his first two NBA seasons.

Golden State's Marquee Matchups For 2018-19 Season. dark. Next

There’s no clear frontrunner for the center position, but the Golden State Warriors have plenty of players who can challenge for the starting role.

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