Delonte West Reuniting with Old Friends

by Greg Payne on Sep 5, 2010 11:47 AM EDT in Boston Celtics News & Links

Delonte West and Paul Pierce played together for three seasons. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

We all know Delonte West spent his first three seasons with the Celtics, was drafted and had a terrific relationship with Danny Ainge, played for head coach Doc Rivers and his staff, and has already shared the court and the locker room with Rajon Rondo, Kendrick Perkins, and Paul Pierce. He's also spent time with another one of the Celtics' recent acquisitions: Shaquille O'Neal. The two played for the Cavaliers last season, and apparently shared a pretty close relationship. Here are some of Delonte's thoughts on Shaq.

(H/T to Chris Forsberg and user MG1 in the forums)

As career winds down, Shaq finds new ways to shine - NBA.com

"He's like a big brother for me right now, as far as everything that's going on in my life. He gives me advice every day. He'll lay down and die for you, and that's my type of guy."

When you think about all of the old ties Delonte has to his former, and now current, teammates, along with Danny and Doc, Boston might very well be the best place for him right now. If he's moved past his personal issues, these relationships should help to keep him on the right track. And if he hasn't fully overcome everything yet, perhaps these relationships will act as the stepping stones he needs to make it there.

Here's proof of the positive (and comical) relationship he had with Pierce when they were both Celtics a few seasons ago:

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Defenetly a good signing for Delonte and for the team

Side note to Greg and Jeff, do you guys have other jobs or is this it? And if so how…..

by Warrior Spirit on Sep 5, 2010 12:34 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

I love Delonte but....

he hasn’t got the sense God gave a goose….. plays hard, good teammate, funny and funny, can make big shots, not a showboat on the court, etc, etc. etc….

but OMG he has a degree? better save his money because I have no idea what he will do after basketball……..

Is it Soup Yet?

by Master Po on Sep 5, 2010 1:07 PM EDT reply actions

cautious

I do hope that things work out all ‘round. Still, this isn’t a feel good story yet — this will have to play out. I note this because I remember how hopeful we all were that Boston would be a fresh start for Vin Baker, and after showing a bit of his talent here and there he continued his drinking and his decline. Let’s hope this truly is different. Good luck Delonte, I hope your return to Boston really is just the thing you need.

by Thruthelookingglass on Sep 5, 2010 1:28 PM EDT reply actions

yeah its your basic delontum physics

when you find something you like, you roll with it

"Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die."

im gonna be all up on you like a spider monkey!

i can just see delonte west winning a game of poker against lebron, throwing down the cards he yells, "who's your daddy!"...."oh, sorry man"

by remembering9ergods on Sep 5, 2010 6:42 PM EDT reply actions

+1

Is it Soup Yet?

by Master Po on Sep 6, 2010 9:02 PM EDT up reply actions

So far his problems are HIS problems

There does seem to be some legit crazy there but so far it hasn’t hurt his team. His all-out-play has caused himself injury which hurt his team but that is hardly a negative quality.

I don’t think you stay semi-crazy. You either keep slipping into full blown lock-him-up crazy or you grow past it and are a better man for having scraped bottom. Delonte around a bunch of “just play” vets is the best thing for him. And if it works he may be the steal of the offseason.

Good luck Delonte. I’m rooting for you.

by Wildblu1 on Sep 5, 2010 9:07 PM EDT reply actions

What a trip down memory lane. Thanks for posting!….I think Delonte’s going to fit right in with this club. We just all need to stay injured-free. The thought of J O starting definitely worries me a little, but gotta stay positive. GO CELTS!!

by salemjon220 on Sep 6, 2010 9:18 AM EDT reply actions

he will be a really good back up for ray allen , nice to have him comin’ off the bench with big baby , nate , j o’neal and shaq , when perk comes back 100%

by wal mark on Sep 7, 2010 11:48 AM EDT reply actions