Delonte West Reuniting with Old Friends

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: