Delonte West expresses desire to remain at Boston Celtics – NBA Update
Delonte West’s agent recently revealed that the player wants to come back with the Boston Celtics next season. West joined the Celtics just last year, but his contract is now up, making him an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Despite having the opportunity to talk to any interested party, West wants to return to the Celtics because he feels a certain loyalty towards them. His agent Jarinn Akana of Lagardere Unlimited spoke to this effect,
“Delonte was drafted by Boston and he has a special place for Boston because of that,”
The player had an underwhelming season with the Celtics because of a number of reasons, injuries being the most prominent of them. However, his agent says West has much to offer to the team and wants to show that next season,
“He spent some good years there, then came back last year and was able to play, but had injuries here and there. He did contribute, but he wanted to contribute more and help Boston advance further. Of course he’d like to be back,
I think that’s his No. 1 goal to be back and help Boston win another championship.”
Celtics President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge has already expressed an interest in retaining the services of the 6-foot-3 guard. West is viewed as a viable backup to star point guard Rajon Rondo at the Celtics franchise.
He was largely a bystander last season, averaging just 5.6 points and 2.7 assists per game.
However, the player showed in his time with the Cleveland Cavaliers that he can be an asset when utilized effectively. He was particularly impressive in the 2008-2009 season when he emerged as a good outside shooter and an accomplished
distributor of the ball. In addition to that, he is a very committed defender and his combination of size and speed allows him to be effective against opposition backcourt players.
West will almost certainly have a better season next year if the Boston Celtics decide to retain him on their roster. He seems a natural choice for the Celtics who are looking to take off some load from the shoulders of their Big
Three, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen.
With his injury troubles and a weak season, the Celtics could be able to sign West on something below his market salary and yet have a player with proven ability coming off the bench. The move would also free up the Celtics to
focus their resources on acquiring a new big man to shore up their lane which has been left open after they lost Kendrick Perkins and Shaquille O’Neal in the same year.
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