Doug West, an American professional basketball player, spent the majority of his career in the NBA, primarily with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Born on May 27, 1967, in Altoona, Pennsylvania, West honed his skills at the collegiate level playing for Villanova University. His time at Villanova was marked by consistent performance, which caught the attention of NBA scouts.
In the 1989 NBA Draft, West was selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round as the 38th overall pick. Joining the Timberwolves, a relatively new franchise at the time, West quickly became a reliable shooting guard. His early years with the team were characterized by steady improvement and adaptation to the professional level of play. West's ability to score and defend made him a valuable asset to the Timberwolves during the early 1990s.
Throughout his tenure with Minnesota, West developed a reputation for his scoring ability. The 1992-1993 season was particularly noteworthy, as he averaged 19.3 points per game, the highest of his career. This performance underscored his role as a leading scorer for the team. West's contributions were not limited to scoring; he was also known for his defensive capabilities, often tasked with guarding the opposing team's best perimeter players.
West's career with the Timberwolves spanned nearly a decade, during which he became one of the franchise's most enduring players. His consistency and work ethic were appreciated by both teammates and fans. However, as the team evolved and new players were introduced, West's role began to change. In 1998, he was traded to the Vancouver Grizzlies, marking the end of his long association with Minnesota.
With the Grizzlies, West continued to bring his experience and skills to the court, albeit in a different capacity. His time in Vancouver was shorter, and he played a supporting role on the team. After a brief stint with the Grizzlies, West was traded to the Houston Rockets, where he concluded his NBA career.
Doug West retired from professional basketball in 2001. Over the course of his career, he played in 720 regular-season games, amassing a total of 8,429 points. His career averages included 9.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. West's journey through the NBA was marked by perseverance and adaptability, traits that served him well throughout his years on the court.
Following his retirement, West transitioned into coaching and other basketball-related endeavors.
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