Delonte West resolves issues with Dallas Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle and returns for practice – NBA News
Delonte West was back to his usual self, joking about his one day suspension from the Dallas Mavericks team while talking to reporters on Wednesday. West was suspended by the team’s Head Coach Rick Carlisle for conduct detrimental
to the locker room after a locker room out-burst from the guard following the Mavericks Monday night victory over the Houston Rockets. Less than 24 hours later, the suspension was waived and West was cleared to participate in Wednesday’s practice session after
he met with Carlisle and President of Basketball Operations Donnie Walsh.
“Uncle Ricky handled the situation, you know what I mean? We went and had a talk, and we came right back to the barbecue,” said West after Wednesday’s practice.
West was a valuable asset to the Mavericks roster last year, his first with the team, in which he proved his worth as a hustle hard backup guard who could play on both ends of the floor. Impressed by his effort and energy, Carlisle
asked for West to be given a one year contract extension during the summer, which the front office agreed to. While both West and Carlisle refused to comment on the specific incident that took place in the locker room, Carlisle did concede that West was different
from other players and in order to work with him, communication was essential.
"There was an outstanding issue, and we needed to talk about it. He needed to refocus, and he's in the process of doing that. I've got to help him and our organization is going to help him, too. It's not that big a deal,” said
Carlisle about the incident.
West, 29, is signed in on a one year contract with the Dallas Mavericks, after having previously played on a one year contract with the team last season. He will be competing against four other players in the Mavericks back court
for playing minutes this season, but is happy to be in the team and ready to provide whatever support the team needs of him in order to win games.
"I'm happy to be here. I'm a Dallas Maverick. Whatever role they have for me this year, I'm going to accept it with open arms. Whatever you've got to do to get a win for the night, that's all that matters,” added West.
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