West powers conference-leading New Orleans

David West remembers what some NBA talent bird dogs thought of him a few years ago. And he never wants to forget. West, perhaps the league's most underrated power forward, has progressed since the Hornets made him their first pick, 18th overall, in the 2003 NBA draft. It was a precocious class that produced LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade.