Delonte West's NBA career appeared to end in a string of bad breaks and bad decisions. He has not resigned to that notion, though, and plans to attempt a comeback after a year away from basketball.
Now 30 years old, married and a new father, he believes time away from basketball has helped mature him, and he wants another shot in the NBA. West told the Boston Globe's Gary Washburn that he is even willing to take a nonguaranteed contract, hoping only for the opportunity to show an NBA coach he still has what it takes to play amongst the world's best.
?This, in a way, has been the biggest blessing of my life,? West said. ?This has given me time to grow. I?m just looking for answers, and all of the things I have been searching for, as a man, not as an athlete, to complete me. In that time period I met my wife and have had a beautiful son, and it?s like everything is falling in place.
?Back in December or January, I stopped trying to trust in man and fight these battles by myself. I just handed the keys to the man upstairs and let him drive. It?s been the biggest blessing of my life. I have so much to be grateful for, thankful for, and I have a lot to play for now."
West, who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, was involved in a number of incidents before the Dallas Mavericks waived him following a heated argument with coach Rick Carlisle. As a member of the Celtics, he engaged in a fight with then teammate Von Wafter. With the Cavaliers, he was arrested on a weapons charge, which provided the largest dent to his reputation.
?Since the incident that happened [while with] Cleveland, it?s been an everyday battle, not with mental disorder, but an everyday battle with having to prove who you are as a person, to prove you?re a good person,? West said. ?It?s OK, because if you are a good person, I don?t have to do too much but be myself. That?s all right.?
Teams have shown interest in West, but he's unlikely to really get an opportunity to play in front of anyone until training camps start two months from now, in October. But, when that time comes, West expects to prove himself.
?I am putting in the work every day, and whatever team picks me up, guaranteed or nonguaranteed, they?re going to get a top-tier player,? he said. ?I spent time just licking my wounds, trying to shy away from the laughter [about me]. My game is not of league minimum, but that?s OK, though. It?s not about the money.
"I?m trying to break free from that stigma but it?s hanging over my head. I decided that I ain?t worried about the laughter. I?m not giving nobody no more ammunition to laugh at me. No more self-loathing. I?m here to play basketball and show people who Delonte West is.?
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