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Delonte West News & Rumors

Delonte West eager for Dallas return; happy to see true teams having success
May 22
Dallas Morning News
 columnist Eddie Sefko
"It wouldn't be right to say that Delonte West is having a nice chuckle with the way the Miami Heat is struggling in the second round of the playoffs with the Indiana Pacers. He won't try to incite anything with his old teammate, LeBron James. But he does think this year's NBA playoffs are showing again why trying to put together a so-called "superteam'' that is heavily laden with superstars is a dangerous thing. "What you're seeing in these playoffs is that the idea of 'team' is back in the NBA,'' West said. "The collective team is bigger than the one or two great players. You look at the Spurs and Indiana, those teams are playing like teams."
If Delonte West is gone, it was time too short
May 7
ESPN.com
 
"Delonte West, we hardly knew ya. But it wasn't without excitement. West gave us the odd White House scenario in which he either was or wasn't banned from joining the team on its championship visit to President Obama. He provided some wild Twitter rants, the warrior walk off the floor with the bone sticking out of his right ring finger that he held high for the crowd to cheer, and then, of course, the "West willy" finger poke in Utah. All-in-all, West, who signed a one-year deal for veteran's minimum with the Mavs in December, played just 48 total games because of the gruesome finger injury that sidelined him for six weeks. In 44 regular-season games playing both guard positions, West, 28,"
Delonte West feeling much better, expects to be at 100-percent for Game 2
April 30
Dallas Morning News
 
"Mavericks guard Delonte West admitted that he felt weak in Game 1, after spending much of Friday and Saturday dealing with what he suspects was food poisoning. "I feel much better," he said Sunday. "Headache's almost gone. I would say I'll be 100-percent [for Game 2]." West said he slept fairly well Saturday night, and was able to eat a little more, although he wasn't quite finished with the aftereffects."
Why Delonte West 'probably won't have cable in a couple days'
April 19
Dallas Morning News
 columnist Eddie Sefko
"Delonte West's first inclination was to fight city hall. He wanted to appeal the $25,000 fine the NBA tagged him with Wednesday for his finger to the ear of Utah's Gordon Hayward. Then, he thought better of it. "When you've been to the principal's office," West said, "you don't really want to go back and see that ruler again." West felt the NBA poke back at him as the league doled out the fine, which amounts to what West makes in about 21/2 games. At least he didn't lose his sense of humor over the fine, which is considerable since he makes the NBA veteran's minimum of $1.18 million."
NBA fined West $25,000 for 'wet willie' incident
April 19
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"The NBA fined Dallas Mavericks guard Delonte West $25,000 today for using his left index finger to poke Utah guard Gordon Hayward in the right ear during Monday's 123-121 triple overtime loss to the Jazz. Before the league announced the fine, coach Rick Carlisle had a frank discusison with West about the incident. "He and I sat down (Tuesday) and talked about that incident, and he understands,'' Carlisle said. "I made it clear to him that that's unacceptable.'' West is a hard-nosed player who brings a lot of aggressiveness to the table. And Carlisle doesn't want him to lose any of that aggression."
Wet Willie, or West Willie? Either way, Delonte may get a call from the NBA
April 17
Dallas Morning News
 
"Delonte West drew a large crowd of reporters after Monday's 123-121 loss to Utah for giving Jazz guard Gordon Hayward an index finger to the ear. He called it a wet Willie, but it would be more accurate to call it a West Willie. With 3:40 left in the first half, West and Hayward got tangled up on the Jazz's offensive end. West gave Hayward a forearm push and then, after a foul was called, West strolled over to Hayward in nonchalant fashion and poked his index finger into Hayward's right ear and gave him a push."
West gave a good first impression
April 2
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"It didn't take long for guard Delonte West to make an impression on Rick Carlisle. "It was earlier in the year,'' the Dallas Mavericks coach said. "I felt even in the abbreviated training camp that he was going to be an important rotation player. "And then when (Jason) Kidd missed games early in the year and he stepped in and started and we were able to win a lot of those games, that solidified things really for everybody.'' But West fractured his right ring finger on Feb. 15 against the Denver Nuggets, and it cost him 21 games. The Mavs were a subpar 10-11 in the absence of West, who has been impressive in the two games since Mavs' doctors felt he was ready to play again."
West's return reminds Mavs what they've been missing
April 1
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"Delonte West's impressive performances during his first two games since returning from finger surgery underscores exactly how important he is to the Dallas Mavericks. West is so important, in fact, that if the Mavericks plan on retaining his services beyond this season, owner Mark Cuban might have to write him a much fatter paycheck. "Everybody on this team that's played with Delonte knew the value of him," center Brendan Haywood said. "He hits big shots, he finds guys when they're open, and he guards. "He's probably our most complete guard on the team because he does everything well." West had surgery on his right ring finger, which was fractured during a Feb. 15 game against the Denver"
Sore finger and all, West returns; Haywood expected to play Friday vs. Magic
March 30
Dallas Morning News
 
"Delonte West is never going to be 100 percent for this season. That's a given after the way he mangled his right ring finger on Feb. 15. So he figured there was only one way to handle his return to action after six weeks recovering from surgery to reconstruct the finger. When he threw a right-handed pass late in the game, it was clear that the finger was causing pain. But just being in the game again after six weeks was good enough for West. "It felt good," he said. "My wind wasn't bad. I stayed in condition while I was out. But the right-hand pass, it was tough. It's something I'm going to have to get used to.""
Mavericks' West, Haywood make trip to Miami but are questionable for game with Heat
March 29
Dallas Morning News
 
"Center Brendan Haywood and guard Delonte West traveled to Miami for the two-game swing through Florida. There was no update for either player on Wednesday, leaving them as questionable for Thursday's marquee matchup with Miami."
Delonte West ready to return, help defense
March 27
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"The sweat was pouring from Delonte West's face after Monday's practice at American Airlines Center. These days, West is working overtime as he tries to recover from surgery to repair his fractured right ring finger. The Dallas Mavericks' guard suffered the injury during a Feb. 15 game against the Denver Nuggets. For his part, West has targeted Thursday's game at Miami as the point when he hopes to finally return and give the Mavs some defensive tenacity. "I'm trying to get back as quick as possible," West said. "I don't want you guys to think I'm trying to wait for 100 percent healing."
Mavs' Haywood, West upgraded to questionable
March 27
Dallas Morning News
 
"Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said that center Brendan Haywood and guard Delonte West participated in practice today and have been upgraded to questionable for Tuesday's home game against Houston. Haywood (sprained right knee) appears to have a better chance of returning first. West said after practice that he still has not been cleared to scrimmage, and that the right ring finger he dislocated on Feb. 15 is still quite painful."
Delonte West needs a few days for pin-holes to mend
March 18
Dallas Morning News
 
"Delonte West had the pins in his surgically reconstructed right ring finger removed on Friday and coach Rick Carlisle said the healing process now will determine when West can get more aggressive in his rehab. "He got the pins out yesterday and it's going to take a couple days for him to get the holes in the fingers where the pins were healed and then he can start ramping things up a little bit,'' Carlisle said. "There's no set timetable. A lot of it's going to be based on how he feels and X-rays going forward.''"
Brendan Haywood, Brandan Wright looking good; Delonte West on hold
March 13
Dallas Morning News
 
"Coach Rick Carlisle said both Brendan Haywood and Brandan Wright went through practice Monday and both probably will be active on Tuesday against Washington. Haywood (sprained left ankle) has missed the last four games and Wright (concussion) has been out for the last six games. "He (Wright) is doing better,'' Carlisle said. "And he's getting closer to being active. We'll see how he feels tomorrow and go from there. Haywood went through practice and I think we're looking good for tomorrow with him.''"
Rick Carlisle plans for SG by committee until Delonte West returns
March 5
Dallas Morning News
 
"When it comes to starting lineups, it's usually been a good idea to take them with a grain of salt when Rick Carlisle is coaching. Who finishes is a lot more important than who starts. But as far as the Mavericks' shooting guard position is concerned, it's looking like it will be a committee until Delonte West returns in a few weeks. And even then it might stay that way. Roddy Beaubois had his best scoring game of the season with 25 points in 31 minutes when he started in New Orleans."
Homeless West slept in Mavericks locker room at start of season
February 29
San Antonio Express-News
 
"Dallas guard Delonte West wasn't kidding when he described his financial duress during the lockout before the season. West took a job at the furniture market to provide money for his family during the lockout. But that even pales in comparison what he had to do at the start of the regular season. Conservative estimates indicate that West has made more than $14 million in his NBA career. But he sold jewelry, cars and even slept in the Mavericks' dressing room at the starting of the season to extend his paycheck. West told the Dallas Morning News that he had trouble getting an apartment because of his criminal record."
Sporting monster claw, Mavericks' Delonte West targets mid-March return
February 23
Dallas Morning News
 
"When your ring finger is "in the shape of a Z," you know you have some problems. Delonte West knew there was serious damage done as soon as he saw his right ring finger after the fluke injury against Denver last week. "There was no mistaking it," he said. "The bone was sticking out and blood was running down my hand. The finger was in the shape of a Z. It was terrible looking. The bad thing is how long it's going to take to get back. "I got an X-ray coming up but right now, they want to give it a week, two weeks of just letting the pins set in there. As soon as we get back from All-Star break, I'll be working out.""
West out indefinitely after surgery on finger
February 18
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"Delonte West underwent successful surgery Friday to have pins placed in his fractured right ring finger. The Dallas Mavericks guard suffered the fracture during Wednesday's 102-84 victory over the Denver Nuggets. In his first season with the Mavericks, West is slated to have a second surgery to have the pins removed before he can play again, and there is no specific timetable for the second surgery. The Mavericks said it could be weeks before West plays again. "The surgery went well and he'll be out a number of weeks," Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said. "We're not exactly sure how long, but in the meantime we're going to have to scramble a little bit." West was averaging 8.3 points and"
West injured as Mavs enjoy romp past Nuggets
February 16
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"On a night when the Dallas Mavericks had one of their largest blowout victories of the season, they also found themselves once again discussing key injuries. Before Wednesday's 102-84 triumph over the Denver Nuggets, the Mavs found out that guard Jason Terry wouldn't play because of a mild strain to a quadriceps muscle. Guard Rodrigue Beaubois also sat out after the death of his father. Then, before the Mavs were halfway into pounding the Nuggets into submission, they lost guard Delonte West for an extended period of time with a combination of a fractured and dislocated right ring finger. Despite the injuries, the Mavs were resourceful in building a 31-point lead in stretching their"
West puts Mavs on back in overtime win vs. Blazers
February 12
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"That off-season acquisition of Delonte West is looking better and better with each game. West came off the bench Saturday night to score six straight points in the second overtime to lead the Dallas Mavericks to a hard-fought 97-94 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers before 20,457 at American Airlines Center. With starting point guard Jason Kidd on a minutes count, the Mavs turned to West for direction, and he stepped up and made big bucket after big bucket. "He was phenomenal," coach Rick Carlisle said. "The guy stays ready and he's a money player."
Cavs fans show Mavs' West whole lotta love in his return to Cleveland
February 5
Dallas Morning News
 
"When he was announced with the starting lineup (he replaced Roddy Beaubois), Delonte West got a rousing ovation Saturday night. The former Cavalier, who joined the Mavericks as a free agent this season, spent nearly three seasons in Cleveland. He was the most popular Maverick during their visit to Quicken Loans Arena on Saturday. "You saw I didn't miss a shot out there, right?" West said after some early pregame shooting. "I'm familiar with this court.""
Delonte West giving Mavericks backcourt punch
February 1
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"From the moment Delonte West signed with the Dallas Mavericks on Dec. 13, it didn't take Dirk Nowitzki long to figure out that the Mavs had found their coveted backup point guard. "I was really pleased from the beginning," Nowitzki said. "I thought right away at training camp that Delonte was a good pickup, and he's been great. "Defensively, he's as tough or tougher of a defender as I've seen in this league, or played with, in my 13 years. He can guard [point guards] and [shooting guards], and he's tough on the post.""
Delonte West scores season-high 25 to shoot Mavericks past Suns
January 31
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"There's been a lot of discussions about Rodrigue Beaubois picking up the slack at point guard in the absence of the injured Jason Kidd. Delonte West showed why no one should forget about him, either. West poured in a season-high 25 points Monday night at US Airways Arena as the Dallas Mavericks rolled over the Phoenix Suns 122-99. In his second game back after sitting out Friday's game against Utah with a strained right calf, West made 9 of 12 shots, including 5 of 6 baskets from beyond the 3-point arc. West provided some excitement when he scored underneath the basket at the halftime buzzer, then drilled an 18-footer with 0.4 seconds left on the third-quarter clock to give the Mavs a"
Delonte West is like 'Lamar Odom in that you don't know what you're going to get'
January 13
Dallas Morning News
 columnist Brandon George
"On Delonte West's impact on the team: Brandon George: ... Delonte West is obviously having a positive impact on this team with Jason Kidd out of the lineup. He's kind of like Lamar in that you don't really know what you're going to get from him. Kevin Sherrington: No question about that. It's too early to say who's making the biggest impact. Let's let this settle a bit before we starting going into that discussion. But I think West has done some great things. There's never been any question about his ability -- it's always been more about what's his mentality off the floor. So we have to see how that goes over a long season."
Celtics coach Doc Rivers says Delonte West brings toughness to Mavericks
January 12
Dallas Morning News
 
"Delonte West remains a bit of an unknown quantity to Mavericks fans. But allow Boston coach Doc Rivers to help shed some light on the 6-3 guard who played four seasons for the Celtics, including last year. "The old saying is, after the game, they should know your name,'' Rivers said. "I guarantee you when you're done playing against Delonte West, you know Delonte West. And that's big for your team. He's an instigator. You need a lot of those and he's one for sure. "You're going to miss his toughness.''"
West, Nowitzki lead Mavericks to first road win of season
January 11
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"While Dirk Nowitzki was rediscovering his jump shot, the Dallas Mavericks were collecting their first road win of the season. And along the way, the Mavs discovered a capable backup to the injured Jason Kidd. A good time was had by all Tuesday night as the Mavs beat up the hapless Detroit Pistons 100-86 at The Palace of Auburn Hills. In sending the Pistons to their fifth straight loss, the Mavs forced 20 turnovers, shot 55.1 percent from the field and were relentless on defense. Nowitzki, who entered the game with just 16 points on 5-of-22 shooting during the past two games, busted out of his slump by scoring 18 points on 9-of-10 shooting. Yet it was the solid all-around play of point"
West apologizes for his actions
January 11
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"Delonte West apologized for a rant he made on his Twitter account following this past Saturday's win over the New Orleans Hornets. He also apologized for what he said was a joke when he told the Star-Telegram: "It's going to be ashamed the President isn't going to get a chance to meet me. I'm the president of my house.'' West also said when he told the Star-Telegram that he was banned from going to the White House because of his past transgressions, he was unaware that the Secret Service had actually approved his admittance to the White House."
Delonte West chooses not to visit White House with Mavs
January 10
Dallas Morning News
 
"Delonte West's social network misadventure about not being allowed to go to the Mavericks' White House visit was premature and, as it turns out, inaccurate. West, who pleaded guilty in 2009 to a weapons possession charge, was cleared to attend the ceremony with President Barack Obama on Monday. But West chose to stay at the team's hotel and meet the bus after the event. West originally told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram that he was banned from going to the White House. When he said it, West and everybody else thought that to be true. But officials from the NBA and the Mavericks said he was given the OK to attend the function."
Delonte West banned from White House
January 9
Dallas Morning News
 
"Oft-troubled guard Delonte West will not be among the Mavericks meeting with President Barack Obama on Monday. West, who had a high profile arrest more than two years ago while under the influence of prescribed medication, said he is banned from stepping foot in the White House after the President's security team ran a routine background check on the guard."
Delonte West says Mavericks need to get out of quicksand
December 29
Dallas Morning News
 
"Delonte West hasn't been here long, but he already has a pretty good handle on where the Mavericks are right now. "Just watching the tape, we didn't have to say much in the locker room,'' West said. "The tape explains itself. It's like we were out there in quicksand and today the coaching staff did a great job of keeping our feet moving. We expect bigger and better things out of ourselves. And we're not going to dwell on those first two games.'' No good could come of that. But the Mavericks have lots of work ahead of them if they are going to shovel those opening two losses into a quick grave and move on to better times. It starts with defense, of course. But West, the 6-3 guard who joined"
Jason Terry improving; Delonte West is latest Mavericks player to become ill
December 21
Dallas Morning News
 
"The Mavericks were without Jason Terry and Delonte West, who is the latest to catch the stomach bug that has been working its way through the team. Terry remained in Dallas after becoming ill at practice Monday. The hope is that Terry will be able to resume practice Wednesday. "I hope he's going to be back," Carlisle said. "He's doing well today. He'll be fine.""
Delonte West glad that Mavs aren't getting national attention
December 18
Dallas Morning News
 
"In his seven years in the NBA , Delonte West has developed a reputation for being something of a character off the court. But the new Mavericks point guard wants to let everyone know that basketball -- not his quirky personality -- will be the focus in Dallas. "I want to acclimate myself on the court and remind my new associates and new friends that I'm here to play basketball first and help this team get back to repeating," West told KESN-FM's Ben & Skin. "That's the no. 1 goal." West will predominantly serve as the Mavs' backup point guard, but could also see some time at the two-guard spot, as well."
Mavericks' Delonte West can help fill void left by Barea, Stevenson
December 15
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"Delonte West worked at a furniture store during the NBA lockout. The job he has now will be much more challenging. Signed to a one-year, $1.1 million contract by the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday, West was called in to be the backup to Jason Kidd at point guard, and also to showcase his skills at shooting guard. In a sense, he's taking the roles held last season by J.J. Barea and DeShawn Stevenson. "Pound for pound he's one of the toughest guards in this league,'' guard Jason Terry said of the 6-foot-3, 185-pound West. "He'll fill the void that DeShawn and J.J. left, because he can penetrate like J.J. and he can shoot like DeShawn. "And he can defend like DeShawn. So it was a great pickup.""
Delonte West to sign with Mavericks
December 13
Boston Herald
 
"Though Delonte West made it clear to his associates, as well as his former team, that his first choice was the Celtics, the guard is no longer waiting for a call. According to a source close to West, he left for Dallas last night with the expectation of signing a one-year contract with the Mavericks today. "He's happy he's able to play basketball, and he'll be signing with Dallas," said the source, who added that the Mavericks called West to express interest approximately five days ago."
Delonte West headed to the Mavericks
December 13
Dallas Morning News
 
"The Mavericks addressed their backup point-guard situation by agreeing to terms with veteran free-agent Delonte West on a one-year contract. The 6-4 West will be the 15th guaranteed contract, meaning if the Mavericks want or need to address any other holes, they will have to do so either via a trade or by waiving somebody already being paid. West, 28, will sign a one-year deal worth the veteran's minimum salary, a source said. For a player with seven years' experience, that would be $1.146 million. The Saint Joseph's product has played for three teams, putting in two stints with the Boston Celtics."
Changing of the guard
December 1
Boston Globe
 
"The tweet popped up a little after 3 p.m. yesterday. "Last day on the job,'' he wrote. He was driving one of Regency Furniture's trucks, and he told his followers he was between deliveries on his way to a dinner interview at Old Ebbitt Grill in the Northwest section. He parked on 13th Street, oblivious to the midday commotion stirring around the sector orbiting the White House. "Valet parked that boy,'' he said."
Delonte West ready to take his talents to Home Depot during lockout
August 16
San Antonio Express-News
 
"Boston guard Delonte West is facing many of the same financial hardships of other NBA players during the lockout. But West, who has made $14,083,519 during his seven-season NBA career, is doing something about making ends meet while he can't count on a regular paycheck. The Big Lead.com reports that West has filled out an application with Home Depot hoping for work while he can't play in the NBA. "It's official.. Pride 2 the side.. just filled out a application at Home Depot.. Lockout ain't a game," West tweeted last week.West has already been told by a judge that he can't leave the country to pursue an overseas career during the lockout because he can't leave the country."
Agent: West's goal to be back with Celtics
July 21
ESPN.com
 
"The agent for combo guard Delonte West said he believes his client's No. 1 goal is to be back with the Boston Celtics next season, but admitted the lockout adds a bit of uncertainty about West's future. Limited by both injuries and a season-opening suspension, West appeared in only 24 regular-season games for Boston last season, averaging 5.6 points, 2.7 assists, and 1.5 rebounds over 18.9 minutes per game. He saved some of his most inspired basketball for the postseason, shrugging off a quiet opening round against the Knicks to reach double figures in scoring in all five games against the Miami Heat in an Eastern Conference semifinal series."
Delonte West toughing it out
May 11
Boston Herald
 
"Delonte West isn't simply trying to be a tough guy when he wraps a compression sleeve around his bruised left shoulder, or talks about taking a shot of painkiller in the offending area to stay on the court. The backup point guard is simply trying to be true to himself, and with the Celtics on the verge of an early start to the lockout season, West's resolve has become a fine example of what this team needs to escape a 3-1 hole in the Eastern Conference semifinal series with the Miami Heat. After an admittedly rough first-round experience against the New York Knicks, West has rebounded with an average of 10.1 points on 15-for-27 shooting in four games against Miami. He has also played some"
Delonte West has identity crisis
April 30
Boston Herald
 
"Delonte West has suffered from the worst kind of underexposure. Like the rest of the Celtics reserves, the guard underperformed during the team's four-game sweep of the Knicks in the first round and is looking to re-establish his rhythm against the Miami Heat. But West's recent struggles are very understandable, according to general manager Danny Ainge. Blame it on Rajon Rondo's recent surge. "When Rajon is playing at the level he was playing at in the New York series, it's hard for his backup to get into any sort of rhythm," Ainge said before yesterday's practice. "I don't worry about that. If Rajon was hurt, and Delonte played 25 minutes and played poor, then you could say he didn't play"
Green push Delonte West to be selfish
April 19
Boston Herald
 
"The Celtics got a mere eight points out of their bench in the series opener with the Knicks, and usually that comes from someone trying to do too much or thinking he's better than he is. On Sunday, the problem stemmed at least in part because one key Celt seemed not to understand how good he is — how important he is. Though the Celts were often in mix-and-match lineups during the 87-85 victory against New York, Delonte West knows it's his responsibility to get Jeff Green and Nenad Krstic and Glen Davis — and himself — into the flow. But West was hesitant with his shot on a night when he passed up several open looks and made 1-of-2 attempts. Paul Pierce said West's ankle troubles may have"
Delonte West sprains ankle again
April 12
Boston Globe
 
"The one thing Doc Rivers wanted to do was escape Monday's game against the lowly Washington Wizards in good health. Well... despite the resting of four starters, the Celtics still sustained an injury as Delonte West sprained his right ankle in a collision with Washington's JaVale McGee early in the second quarter. West was whistled for the foul on the fastbreak and could not get up on his own."
Celtics' Delonte West ejected vs. Wiz
April 9
ESPN.com
 
"Celtics reserve guard Delonte West apologized to his teammates after getting ejected early in the second quarter of Friday's 104-88 triumph over the Washington Wizards at TD Garden. West got tagged with a pair of technical fouls and earned the automatic ejection after barking at referee Josh Tiven early in the second quarter of Friday's game against the Wizards. Celtics coach Doc Rivers admitted it was a quick toss. "I got the feeling he said the right stuff," said Rivers. "That would be my guess, because it wasn't a lot of words, so it had to be the right word. "[West] apologized to the team, but, still, we needed the bodies tonight on a back-to-back. And that's what I told him. We just"
With Rajon Rondo out, Delonte West makes point
March 28
Boston Herald
 
"One of the biggest plays down the fourth-quarter stretch last night was Delonte West's ability to yank an offensive rebound away from three Timberwolves with 28 seconds left. Paul Pierce got fouled on the extended possession and hit both free throws for a 83-78 lead in the Celts' eventual 85-82 victory. As a result, West's stock continues to soar since his return, despite a painful bone chip in his right ankle. "His ability to compete is higher than anybody I've been around for a while," Kevin Garnett said. "He's going to compete for 48 minutes. It's never going to be an easy night with him on the floor." West started in place of Rajon Rondo, who reaggravated a right pinkie injury in"
Injured Green get closer
March 27
Boston Herald
 
"Delonte West missed practice yesterday to turn in monitoring gear from his house arrest on gun possession charges. He'll meet the Celtics in Minnesota, and Doc Rivers is expecting the key backup to be ready to go after another bout with right ankle pain. West indicated Friday that a bone chip in the ankle has been the continued source of trouble. "Yeah, but we all have them," Rivers said before practice. "I have a bunch of them. They're floating, and at times they pinch and they hurt. "More than not, unless they need to be surgically removed, which his doesn't, it just becomes a pain thing. There'll be games where he feels great; there'll be a game here or there where he can play, but"
Celtics benefit by good night's West
March 21
Boston Herald
 
"Ever since Delonte West was a rookie, Doc Rivers worried the guard would hurt himself out of sheer competitiveness. But the Celtics coach learned to accept the inevitable where his backup point guard is concerned. Just as you can't afford to dilute Kevin Garnett's effectiveness by asking him to calm down, you can't ask West to avoid running through that next wall. "Well, he may," Rivers said of the prospect that West, after suffering a broken wrist and severely sprained ankle this season, could do more harm to himself. "I don't want him to change. It's just how he plays. I don't think you could get him to change if you wanted him to change. He's just extremely competitive, and he'll put"
West sparks Celtics off the bench
March 20
Boston Globe
 
"In some sense, it's surprising that Delonte West somehow looked relatively rustless tonight. He's been back for just three games. He played in all of eight games before that. His season's been a traffic jam with a suspension and nagging injuries stopping him when he wants to go. Then, when he finally gets on the floor, he's sharp. Doc Rivers trusts him to run the offense. He's able to provide a spark. He was one of the catalysts in the Celtics 89-85 win tonight. "Usually, a guy misses so many games you can see him getting winded and kind of not knowing the plays," West said. "It just seems like he never has a letdown. Every time he comes back from an injury, it's like he's been there"
Delonte West provides direction at key point
March 20
Boston Herald
 
"Rajon Rondo is probably the worst kind of player to order to the bench. But last night, when the Celtics guard jammed his right pinkie so badly he thought it was broken, an important part of the Celtics picture snapped into focus. Delonte West ran the offense during key parts of the Celtics' comeback from a 15-point hole, and in the process may have saved the game while Rondo was on the bench attempting to get feeling back in his finger. "If we're winning, I don't mind (sitting)," said Rondo, who didn't return until 6:12 was left in an eventual 89-85 win over the Hornets. "Especially when the guy in my place is feeling it. He's getting confidence. It's going to be big down the stretch,"
Delonte West impresses in court return
March 17
Boston Herald
 
"Delonte West let all of his pent up energy do the talking last night. He was so convincing, Doc Rivers suspected that his oft-injured guard was holding back something. "He's been playing somewhere, 'cause his rhythm was too good. He's been in a rec league or something," Rivers said of West, who played only his ninth game of the season last night. "I was amazed how well he handled the ball. Usually when you miss games at the point guard position, you have fumbles, you make bad decisions. He had great timing the entire night." Paul Pierce, on the other hand, wasn't about to question good fortune when he said, "Not really surprised, because the first time he came back from injury, he seemed"