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OAKLAND — The Warriors offer compliments about David West as quickly as he nails a mid-range jump shot.
Warriors guard Klay Thompson has contended the 37-year-old West has played as efficiently as if he were 28 years old. Warriors guard Stephen Curry has marveled at the intensity of West’s regimen, whether it involves lifting weights, taking shots or even eating breakfast. And Warriors coach Steve Kerr has said in a half-joking, half serious manner that he would like the Warriors front office to lock up West for a three-year extension.
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West showed an amused smile over all the platitudes. But even if he said he feels “pretty good” in his 15th NBA season, West said he will handle the retirement question with the same deliberation he plays the game.
“I’ll just wait and see how my body feels and how my mind feels. We’re a long way from now,” West said following Monday’s morning shootaround. “I’m just going to keep preparing every single day.”
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That preparation has ensured West remaining productive in his 15th NBA season. The Warriors (43-13) enter Monday’s game against the Phoenix Suns (18-39) at Oracle Arena with West averaging 7.2 points on 61.7 percent shooting and 3.4 rebounds in 13.4 minutes per game. West has shot at least 50 percent in 38 games this season and even at least 80 percent in 16 of them. And while he has scored in double figures in 14 games, West has led the Warriors in rebounding in four.
West said that has all happened because of his disciplined regimen in abstaining from sweets, maximizing sleep and lifting and shooting daily.
“I’ve always tried to maintain. I never want to finish the season on a downward spiral,” West said. “I never want my body aching. So I’m doing what I have to do to make sure my body is mentally in a good space.”
As a result, Kerr has jokingly teased West about delaying off retirement, a decision West will take more seriously once the summer approaches. After all, West had considered retiring last year before deciding otherwise after winning his first NBA championship.
“He’s having a good time with it,” West said of Kerr’s jokes. “I don’t think I’m doing anything unusual. I’m just taking advantage of moments with how much focus there is on other guys on the floor.”
