Delonte West is a former NBA star from Washington D.C. Born in 1983, West got his basketball start in college playing for St. Joseph University. He would go on to join the NBA, playing for the Boston Celtics from 2004-2007. He then had stints in the Seattle SuperSonics, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Dallas Mavericks. He did play for the Celtics a second time between 2011 and 2012 before playing for leagues in other countries between 2013-2015.
Delonte West earned almost $14,000,000 off his NBA career.
— NBA Memes (@NBAMemes) June 18, 2022
You really can’t take mental health for granted. pic.twitter.com/vokAMcSVuz
During his time in the league, it was clear Delonte had some issues. He admitted to substance abuse as a teen and having a rough childhood. He eventually was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2008 but did not handle the diagnosis well and rejected it. The following year he was pulled over for speeding in a Can-AM Spyder three-wheeled motorcycle. When pulled over, it was discovered he had three weapons on him, and he was apprehended. Delonte West struggled to manage his money and actually worked at The Home Depot during the NBA lockout in 2011.
In 2016 stories began to circulate about him being homeless after photos surfaced of him barefoot on the street wearing a hospital gown. While he dispelled the rumors, it is stated that he tried to get the help that year to no avail. More pictures hit the net in 2020 of him panhandling. In one disturbing video, West can be seen getting tussling with a man on the freeway in Washington D.C. Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban stepped in and paid for Delonte to go to rehab. Fans were happy to find out that he had accepted and seemed to be doing better.
In 2021 it was reported that Delonte West got a job at the rehab facility and had reunited with his family. Mark Cuban posted an update on social media, letting fans know that Delonte was fighting hard to get better and improving gradually. “Because we all want something to feel great about today, here is your Delonte West update. It’s still an uphill battle, but he is climbing !” Delonte can be seen Kayaking and playing Frisbee. Delonte was also looking to get back into basketball and was training to get into The Big 3 draft pool. The Big 3 is a league for veteran players nearing their 40s. “The 3×3 basketball league, which was founded by Ice Cube in 2017, comprises 12 teams and often recruits former NBA players to fill their ranks.” Many were excited to see Delonte’s name included in the Draft Pool list announced last month.
Cool to see Delonte West is back playing ball. https://t.co/uuND2h47dy
— Tas Melas (@TasMelas) May 23, 2022
Despite this, someone still ran into Delonte West outside of 711 begging for change in May and posted a photo with him saying, “I thought Delonte west was on the right path after getting help from @mcuban Just saw him outside of 711 in Alexandria asking for change. Real good, dude just been failed by so many people.”
I thought Delonte west was on the right path after getting help from @mcuban
— E (@MrEdgarL) May 19, 2022
Just saw him outside of 7-11 in Alexandria asking for change.
Real good dude just been failed by so many people. pic.twitter.com/VgFRlB6OFA
Delonte West Is Struggling To Feed His Two Children
Delonte West has been married twice. His first one was in 2009 to a woman named Kimberly Wad. They divorced a year later. By 2013 he had met and married Caressa Madden. They have two children, Cash West and a second boy whose name has not been released to the public. Madden is believed to be a native of Dallas and currently resides there. She is said to have moved back in with her parents following Delonte getting caught up in the streets.
This week it was reported that Delonte West is back out on the street panhandling. The 39-year-old former NBA player can be seen in a black t-shirt and jeans with cornrows holding up a street sign. Someone posted it and tagged Mark Cuban saying, “Delonte West is on Richmond Highway in Alexandria, Virginia.” Delonte responded to the now-viral video, giving fans an update on his current situation. “It is what it is. I got children. I’m in between jobs. People can help me as much as they can, but you know, as a man, I gotta do what I gotta do for my babies.”Do you think Delonte will ever manage to get off the streets and get his life together?
