The New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets announced today that they have exercised the team option on forward David West, which will keep the forward with the club through the 2006-07 season.

"David had a frustrating year due to injuries last season, but he has shown great signs during training camp that he is back to where he needs to be," said Hornets General Manager Jeff Bower.  "We look forward to him picking up where he left off before he got hurt and continuing to develop this season."

West has averaged 4.5 points and 4.2 rebounds while shooting .458 (183-400) in 101 games over his first two years with the Hornets.  He played in just 30 games last season after suffering a right knee contusion on December 4.
Prior to the injury, he had averaged 11.0 points and 7.3 rebounds in three games as a starter.

The Hornets selected West in the first round (18th pick overall) of the 2003 NBA Draft.