Mouths dropped when fans found out David West turned down a $12.5 million deal to head to the Spurs under the veteran minimum of $1.5, but at what point is a championship bigger than money? Well, to David West, it means a lot more. While getting the “veteran” minimum, West is one of the younger players on the team, and he kind of likes it; He feels like a student again while watching Duncan in awe and picking Ginobili’s brain.
“I find myself staring at Tim, I have just been trying to find little corners to watch him – and I just stare at him. People are talking about what I gave up,” West told Yahoo Sports, “but not as much about what I’ve gained here.”
“I needed be in an environment where I can really learn again,” West told Yahoo Sports. “We’ve got a few guys older than myself, and I can actually look up and ask questions again.
“I’ve already been picking [Manu Ginobili’s] brain, asking questions. Asking Tim questions.
“I needed that.”
Sometimes a refresher is needed and it looks like West is getting schooled in more ways than one in San Antonio. Money means a lot to some people, but when you get drafted to the league after you made so much, some athletes wonder why they’re still playing and never attain a legacy. It looks like West is looking to create more than a name for himself and the money he made, a championship for people to remember and something he can be proud of.
H/T: Yahoo!