Delonte West Is Struggling Since Exit From NBA, Teammates Tried To Improve His Situation
Delonte West’s life has been destroyed by addiction since he left the NBA. West played for the Boston Celtics, Seattle Supersonics, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Dallas Mavericks during his eight years in the NBA. West and Mark Cuban have previously collaborated extensively in an effort to help West turn his life around.
Delonte West Is Struggling Since Exit From NBA, Teammates Tried To Improve His Situation
Delonte West was a well-known NBA player throughout his career. He played for 9 seasons and had earnings of almost $16 million.
From @TheAthletic: The last time teammates heard from former NBA player Delonte West, he was living outside of a 7-11. People, with means and contacts, have tried to help. Save him, really. Except they can’t buy their way to a solution. Not with this. https://t.co/ziJ9AWfNg5 pic.twitter.com/tNFYMQMbiJ
— The New York Times (@nytimes) October 13, 2023
However, since his retirement, West has struggled with severe mental health troubles and substance misuse, which appear to have made him homeless, according to recent revelations about his issues.
Cuban wasn’t the first one in the NBA community to approach West for assistance. Jameer Nelson, a former NBA guard, also made an effort to assist the player. In a recent interview with Dana O’Neil of The Athletic, Nelson talked about West’s situation and how he wished he could have done more.
From @TheAthletic: The last time teammates heard from former NBA player Delonte West, he was living outside of a 7-11. People, with means and contacts, have tried to help. Save him, really. Except they can’t buy their way to a solution. Not with this. https://t.co/tB7riB8b5J pic.twitter.com/L003hPFK96
— The New York Times (@nytimes) October 13, 2023
“It brings me to tears,” Nelson says. “He has so many people who love him, who want to help him, but he has to want to help himself. … I am here for him. I will always be here for him.”
“I tried, and I will continue to try if I can, but he has to meet us halfway. He has to want the help.”
I’m a huge college basketball fan, and tend to root for my brother Jesuit schools. That St. Joe’s team 20 years ago (!!!) was really special. But now, the troubling life and health of Delonte West overshadows the team.
Wherever he is, I hope he gets the help he needs. https://t.co/MUKcdhYUDZ
— Tepid War 🎯 (@JoeDeLololol) October 13, 2023
Numerous NBA players discussed his predicament and their efforts to help him in a recent article by Dana O’Neil of The Athletic. According to the article, the former star is now reportedly homeless and begs for money outside a 7-11 in Virginia.
A sad story about Delonte West and the people, including Lebanon Catholic grad Brian Jesiolowski, who tried to help him battle his mental illness and addiction. Great read from Dana O'Neil @DanaONeilWriter. https://t.co/Hg6lTb5ERr
— Steve E. Snyder (@sesnyderleb) October 13, 2023
West was spotted pleading for money in Dallas in 2020. He was rescued from the streets by Mark Cuban, owner of the Mavs, who also paid for his rehabilitation and gave him a home to reside. He also obtained employment, but on July 22 West was once more spotted on the streets, this time in Virginia, where he has reportedly been ever since.
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