This past Sunday, with one roster spot still up for grabs, Travis and I took a step onto fantasy island for a friendly debate on whether or not Delonte West would be a good thing for the hometown Celtics. Both of us, in addition to a few readers who stopped by, made very strong points supporting both sides of the argument.
What we didn't know at that time was that our little fantasy situation was about to come true. Yesterday, the Celtics announced that they have signed free agent guard Delonte West to a non-guranteed contract, terms remaining disclosed.
After being drafted by the Celtics in 2004, Delonte spent three years with the Celtics prior to the "Big Three Era". Delonte started in 125 games over those three years for the Celtics, and started over current Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo.
Since departing from the Celtics in a blockbuster deal on draft night in exchange for Ray Allen, West's career has taken a turn in the wrong direction. On September 18th, 2009 West was arrested by a police officer in Maryland for speeding and the possesion of handguns. The NBA recently handed down a 10-game suspension to West for that incident.
Aside from that incident, West was also the main character in a rumor started at the end of the Cleveland Cavaliers 2009-2010 season. The rumor, which is still yet to have any backbone, stated that Delonte "slept" with LeBron James' mom, Gloria, which caused trouble in the Cavaliers locker room. Thus the reason for the Cavs post season collapse.
Believe that rumor or not, West has a lot of extra baggage on his resume regardless. I know this, you know this, Doc Rivers knows this, and Danny Ainge knows this. What I also know, however, is that this dude can play. He was the best option out there, talent wise, for the Celtics to fill their final roster spot.
Not only do I think this, Danny Ainge apparently does as well. If he didn't, he wouldn't have brought him in. The addition of Delonte to the Celtics roster room will create one of the craziest locker rooms in NBA history, but at the same time it also creates the deepest roster in the NBA.
I know some of you are probably worried about Delonte's baggage affecting the rest of the team. I'm not. Delonte spent three years with this organization and had zero problems with his team, and zero problems criminally. The support for him here in Boston will be at a whole different level compared to Cleveland.
Aside from "the rumor" that surfaced during the 2010 playoffs Delonte's problems have never affected anybody but himself. His team's have still been successful, and for the most part he has dealth with his off court issues on his own.
Now that we have addressed the "baggage" problem, let's look at how Delonte fits in on the depth chart. The good news is that Delonte can be a three position player, if injuries occur. He is a bit undersized at the three spot, and really isn't a true point guard, but if need be he can play these positions effectively.
His true position, however, is at the shooting guard spot. Delonte is a shooter, and a very good one at that. He may not be Ray Allen, but he can provide his sharp shooting skills off the bench. If Delonte can come in and do what I think he can do, he will be the second man on the depth chart at the shooting guard position.
Given the fact that his contract is non-guranteed, you can guarantee Delonte will be playing his "you-know-what" off for a spot on this roster. His talent level, when focused and at the top of his game, is superior to that of his biggest competition, Von Wafer.
Another positive to the addition of West is that he has played for Doc Rivers and has played with a few of these guys before. He has had court time with Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo, and Kendrick Perkins. It should not take long for Delonte to fit right back in with this squad and learn the system.
Due to his ten-game suspension, West will not be able to suit up for the Celtics until November 27th against the Washington Wizards. That is a game I will be marking on my calender. I can not wait to see this guy play. When he does get the chance, and succeeds, don't be afraid to come back here and tell me that I was right.
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