After 15 seasons in the NBA, veteran David West has officially announced his retirement.The 38-year-old will be going out on a high after winning back-to-back championships with the Golden State Warriors.The Dubs were the fourth team he represented after being drafted with the 18th pick in 2003 by the New Orleans Hornets.After eight years in Louisiana, he spent four seasons with the Indiana Pacers and one campaign with the San Antonio Spurs.

Securing a ring

In the latter stages of his career, he made no secret of his desire to win a title before he retired and he was given the perfect opportunity to achieve this in the Bay Area.

He may not have had many minutes on the court in the last two years but West played an important role both on and off the court for the Warriors as he provided a leadership presence.

His professionalism and work ethic rubbed off on his teammates and many of them took to social media to pay tribute to him after his announcement.

Steve Kerr praised the power forward for the impact he had on the team in the last two years.

"David was a consummate professional throughout his entire career and was a huge presence in our locker room the last two years," Kerr said in a statement.

"The respect that he commanded was palpable every single day he walked in the door and the leadership that he provided to our team was critical to our success.

"He had the unique ability to connect with both the veteran and young players and the mentoring he provided our younger group was invaluable.

"The consistency that he displayed at a high level on the court for 15 years was amazing and a testament to his hard work and dedication.

"He is a true champion in every sense of the word."

West was a two-time All-Star who appeared in 1,034 regular season and 118 playoff games.

He was part of the famous draft class that included LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh.

The big man finishes as the fourth highest scorer in that class behind the quartet. For his career, he averaged 13.6 points and 6.4 rebounds.

"There should be a picture in the dictionary of David under ‘pro's pro'," said Warriors general manager Bob Myers.

"He's one of the most decent people I've ever met. His depth of character is unmatched.

"We are all better for having spent the last two years with him. There is no doubt the best is ahead of him."

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