SAN ANTONIO – Everyone else had left the floor in the Spurs' practice facility, but the NBA's oldest star is listening to music on his earbuds, catching and shooting again and again. Beneath the five championship banners hanging on the wall, this is the sweet, soft and comforting rhythm of a dynasty, mesmerizing to the San Antonio Spur paying $11 million for the privilege of playing with Tim Duncan.

"I find myself staring at Tim," David West tells Yahoo Sports. "I have just been trying to find little corners to watch him – and I just stare at him."

View photos David West would have made $12.5 million this season had he stayed with the Pacers. (AP) More

West is sitting in one of those quiet corners now, wearing No. 30 because No. 21 is the forever jersey of this franchise. West is a 35-year-old power forward, decorated with the unimpeachable respect of league personnel. His assimilation into these Spurs has a chance to be one of the most seamless the organization's ever seen. Never had a player come to this franchise with such pure intentions.

Some people talk about wanting to win, about championships superseding money but West lived it.

West had a $12.5 million contract option on the third year of his $36 million Indiana Pacers deal – and walked away to accept a $1.4 million veteran's minimum with the Spurs. To those who know West – his principle, his depth, his character – they understand his choice was no choice at all. Those who know him understand that he has carefully invested his money, lived amid modest means. It took him six years to buy a new car and a new house upon entering the NBA. He's a voracious volunteer and donator of time and money.

David West does drive a Lexus now.

He bought it over a decade ago.

"People are talking about what I gave up," West told Yahoo Sports, "but not as much about what I've gained here."

For the first time in years, West watched the NBA Finals in June and found himself yearning for a final championship run. West had been granite for the Indiana Pacers, transforming the team's cohesiveness and professionalism upon his arrival four years ago. The Pacers needed his toughness and talent, yes, but they were desperate for his leadership. They advanced to two Eastern Conference finals with West, and his guidance played an immense role in the development of Paul George and Roy Hibbert, Lance Stephenson and, yes, coach Frank Vogel.

No one messes with West, and it empowered Vogel within that locker room. It took a toll on West, too. From Stephenson's recklessness to Hibbert's fragility, West was constantly the traffic cop for the coaching staff and management and the media. Before West ever stepped on the floor, he had to be big brother and an assistant coach, psychologist and motivational speaker and team spokesman. West embraced it all, fulfilled those obligations, but everything changes for him with these Spurs. He has been one of his generation's most intelligent, dependable players, and yet the chance to immerse himself into the Spurs culture has invigorated him.

"I needed be in an environment where I can really learn again," West told Yahoo Sports. "We've got a few guys older than myself, and I can actually look up and ask questions again.

View photos West is looking forward to the opportunity to learn from Duncan. (Getty Images) More

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