Cavs’ Delonte West Misses Team’s First Practice

[duncan228]

Cavs’ Delonte West misses team’s first practice (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ap-cavaliers-west&prov=ap&type=lgns)
By Tom Withers

Troubled Cavaliers guard Delonte West did not show up for Cleveland’s first practice and his absence was unexcused.

Cavs coach Mike Brown said West did not participate in the team’s first workout of training camp at Cleveland Clinic Courts on Tuesday and did not know if West would be at the evening session.

West was recently arrested for gun possession in Maryland after police pulled over his three-wheel motorcycle for a traffic violation and found he was carrying three loaded weapons—two handguns and a shotgun in a guitar case he had on his back.

West was charged with two counts of possessing a concealed handgun, which is a misdemeanor in Maryland. He has a court date on Nov. 20.

West, who has battled mood disorders for years, was in good spirits on Monday at the team’s media day. He said he had resumed taking his medications and was focused on this season and playing basketball. West downplayed his recent arrest, saying once the details were known “you’ll see that it’s not as big as some are making it.”

Brown said general manager Danny Ferry was handling the missed practice matter. Ferry did not immediately return messages seeking comment.

“On a personal note, you always hope he’s doing well,” Brown said of West. “But I have to continue looking forward and coaching this team. Whether it is Delonte or somebody else, if they miss practice and it is unexcused it will be handled internally.”

West left the team during training camp last season to get treatment for bipolar disorder, an illness he said he has been dealing with for years. West returned to the team renewed and talked openly about his battles with depression and mood swings.

He wound up having his best all-around season as a pro, averaging 11.7 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists. He also shot a career-best 40 percent from 3-point range and averaged a career-high in steals while helping the Cavs win 66 games, a franchise record.

West made 64 starts, another 14 in the playoffs, and was arguably the Cavs’ second-most productive player in the postseason after LeBron James.

West could face a suspension from the NBA pending the outcome of his legal matter.

[Chomag]

IF West is considered your second best player, your in pretty bad shape.

[lefty]

Shaq, Delonte, Mo Williams.


May the force be with you, Lebron

[Thunder Dan]

Delonte is pissed they are going to bring him off the bench. He is getting his inner Trevor Ariza on

[23LeBronJames23]

Mo played horrible in postseason,So delonte they say was 2nd best.and btw we had no shaq this postseason.

[23LeBronJames23]

IF West is considered your second best player, your in pretty bad shape.

how is he considered 2nd best. espacially right now. they just said that he was playin the best in the playoffs after LeBron..

[Thunder Dan]

i don't care what he does, or suspensions or whatever, just as long as he is ready to play in May

[rjv]

why is it that some people are picking the cavs to go to the finals ? they are setting up to have a letdown year IMHO.

[TheMACHINE]

he's seen Desperado a bit too much.

[Dex]

I'm still amused by the fact that he was goin' around decked like Scarface in his little moped.

[#1 Timmys Fan]

Delonte is pissed they are going to bring him off the bench. He is getting his inner Trevor Ariza on


When was Ariza ever pissed the Lakers were bringing him off the bench? When did he ever skip practice. What are you talking about?

[Allanon]

I'm still amused by the fact that he was goin' around decked like Scarface in his little moped.

That's exactly what I was thinking. :lol:lol

[cobbler]

When was Ariza ever pissed the Lakers were bringing him off the bench? When did he ever skip practice. What are you talking about?

You are correct sir. In fact, when Radman was sent packing, Ariza asked PJ to start Walton because he felt more comfortable coming off the bench.

Thunder knows not what he speaks of.

[duncan228]

West skips second practice for Cavs (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-westcavs092909&prov=yhoo&type=lgns)
By Adrian Wojnarowski

The Cleveland Cavaliers’ Delonte West skipped a second consecutive training camp practice Tuesday night and the front office is unsure when the troubled shooting guard will return to the team, sources told Yahoo! Sports.

West, who has a mood disorder, had been expected to be an important part of LeBron James and Shaquille O’Neal’s supporting cast this season. The Cavaliers could punish West with a fine or suspension, but that doesn’t solve the bigger issue for a franchise under immense pressure to deliver a title. Truth be told, the Cavs can no longer count on him.

The Cavaliers had considered the possibility of trading West, sources said, but his recent instability makes that an improbable scenario.

After an arrest on a weapons charge two weeks ago in Maryland, West was already facing possible legal action and a certain league suspension. West had three loaded and concealed guns on a motorcycle jaunt across a suburban Washington, D.C., highway. Last season, West left the team for several weeks to get treatment for his lifelong battle with mood disorders.

Beyond the fact that he’s in his Cleveland apartment, one associate said, the reason for West’s absence is still a source of speculation for Cavs general manager Danny Ferry and coach Mike Brown. West attended the Cavs’ media day availability Monday but was an unexcused no-show for both of Tuesday’s practices at the team’s facility in suburban Cleveland.

Ferry didn’t immediately respond to a text message.

“On a personal note, you always hope he’s doing well,” Brown told reporters Tuesday morning. “But I have to continue looking forward and coaching this team.”

Ferry has gone to great lengths to help West battle his demons, but this is a vital season for the Cavaliers. With the investment in Shaq, and James’ pending free agency next summer, Cleveland can ill-afford to let the drama surrounding West get in the team’s way.

[23LeBronJames23]

why is it that some people are picking the cavs to go to the finals ? they are setting up to have a letdown year IMHO.

why wouldnt they go to the finals???

only reason i could think of is if LeBron gets injured.

[mogrovejo]

Maybe he's stuck in traffic.

[23LeBronJames23]

Maybe he's stuck in traffic.

stopped by a five 0

[iggypop123]

he didnt show cause he couldnt get past the metal detectors

[Trainwreck2100]

Sons when you're straight thuggin and biggin like DelonWizzle you don't need practice

[Double-Up]

Delonte is pissed they are going to bring him off the bench. He is getting his inner Trevor Ariza on

"He said he had resumed taking his medications and was focused on this season and playing basketball." :lmao:lmao:lmao

[Kobayagi]

he didnt show cause he couldnt get past the metal detectors


lol, at first, I thought you wrote that he couldn't get past mental detectors.

[mountainballer]

Cavs will look very thin in the backcourt if they can't get West back on track.
but they are one of the few teams that can pull a crazy trade immediately to try to solve this.
(like Z for Monta Ellis or Sjax)

[Thunder Dan]

"He said he had resumed taking his medications and was focused on this season and playing basketball." :lmao:lmao:lmao

you laughing at a medical condition?

[nkdlunch]

maybe he was riding his moped to a town hall meeting like every true american

[angelbelow]

did he show up today?

[Thunder Dan]

http://hotbiscuits.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/mo-money-mo-problems.jpg

[lefty]

did he show up today?
No

[duncan228]

Delonte West absent from Cavaliers practice again (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=txcavalierswest&prov=st&type=lgns)

LeBron James says the Cavaliers will welcome back Delonte West, whenever he comes back.

West was absent from training camp for the second straight day Wednesday morning while he deals with personal issues. Cavaliers general manager Danny Ferry has spoken at length to West, coach Mike Brown said, adding that the absence is unexcused and that West will be fined.

Ferry declined to meet with reporters Wednesday.

“We’ve been around this block before with Delonte, so we know how to handle it,” LeBron James said. “I’m sure he’ll be OK. Basketball has nothing to do with what’s going on. He needs to take as much time as he needs, and when he comes back, we’ll welcome him as we’ve always done.”

James said he called West but didn’t get an answer.

West, who has battled depression and mood disorders for years, also could face suspension by the league after he was recently arrested for gun possession in Maryland. Police pulled over his three-wheel motorcycle for a traffic violation and found he was carrying three loaded weapons - two handguns and a shotgun in a guitar case he had on his back.

He also missed 10 days last year during training camp to seek help for his mental illness.

“We’re all concerned about Delonte’s well-being. We love him and we’re all in the same family,” Brown said. “But in the same breath, we’re all paid to do a job and that’s what we’re doing. I’ve got 18 guys here I have to coach every day and that’s what I’m doing.”

West attended the team’s media day on Monday and was in good spirits. He said he had resumed taking his medications and was excited about the upcoming season. West downplayed the concealed weapons arrest, saying once the details were known “you’ll see that it’s not as big as some are making it.”

He has missed three team practices, with a fourth scheduled for Wednesday night. No one seemed hopeful of seeing him there.

“I’d be worried about someone who doesn’t have a supporting cast around him and not trying to help him. I’m really not concerned about him,” said guard Mo Williams.

“If he comes to practice tonight, it’ll be like he never left.”

[lefty]

Delonte West absent from Cavaliers practice again (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=txcavalierswest&prov=st&type=lgns)

LeBron James says the Cavaliers will welcome back Delonte West, whenever he comes back.

West was absent from training camp for the second straight day Wednesday morning while he deals with personal issues. Cavaliers general manager Danny Ferry has spoken at length to West, coach Mike Brown said, adding that the absence is unexcused and that West will be fined.

Ferry declined to meet with reporters Wednesday.

“We’ve been around this block before with Delonte, so we know how to handle it,” LeBron James said. “I’m sure he’ll be OK. Basketball has nothing to do with what’s going on. He needs to take as much time as he needs, and when he comes back, we’ll welcome him as we’ve always done.”

James said he called West but didn’t get an answer.

West, who has battled depression and mood disorders for years, also could face suspension by the league after he was recently arrested for gun possession in Maryland. Police pulled over his three-wheel motorcycle for a traffic violation and found he was carrying three loaded weapons - two handguns and a shotgun in a guitar case he had on his back.

He also missed 10 days last year during training camp to seek help for his mental illness.

“We’re all concerned about Delonte’s well-being. We love him and we’re all in the same family,” Brown said. “But in the same breath, we’re all paid to do a job and that’s what we’re doing. I’ve got 18 guys here I have to coach every day and that’s what I’m doing.”

West attended the team’s media day on Monday and was in good spirits. He said he had resumed taking his medications and was excited about the upcoming season. West downplayed the concealed weapons arrest, saying once the details were known “you’ll see that it’s not as big as some are making it.”

He has missed three team practices, with a fourth scheduled for Wednesday night. No one seemed hopeful of seeing him there.

“I’d be worried about someone who doesn’t have a supporting cast around him and not trying to help him. I’m really not concerned about him,” said guard Mo Williams.

“If he comes to practice tonight, it’ll be like he never left.”


WTF ?

The opposite of what Jordan would have done in a similar situation.

[Culburn369]

Daddy must be livid & a bit tuckered searching in vain for that spotlight.

[hater]

well being an albino black probably affects you psychologically

[Culburn369]

well being an albino black probably affects you psychologically

A most cogent citation, hater.

[Morg1411]

you laughing at a medical condition?

I am.

[Culburn369]

He doesn't need medication, he needs a severe ass whooping.

You can bet he's had more than a few of those over his pigmentation.

[spursfan1000]

Not too much of a deal.

[duncan228]

West returns to Cavaliers after missing camp (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=txcavalierswest&prov=st&type=lgns)

Delonte West has returned to the Cleveland Cavaliers after missing the first two days of training camp.

West practiced with his teammates on Thursday after missing the first four practices. West called the absences unexcused, but said he’s been in contact with general manager Danny Ferry.

West could still face a league suspension after he was recently arrested for gun possession in Maryland. Police pulled over his three-wheel motorcycle for a traffic violation and found he was carrying three loaded weapons - two handguns and a shotgun in a guitar case.

[Brazil]

lol, at first, I thought you wrote that he couldn't get past mental detectors.

:lol

[duncan228]

Cavs guard West held out of scrimmage (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=txcavalierswest&prov=st&type=lgns)
By Tom Withers

Troubled Cavaliers guard Delonte West did not join his teammates for an intrasquad scrimmage, the public’s first chance to see superstars LeBron James and Shaquille O’Neal on the floor together as Cleveland teammates.

West, who skipped the team’s first four practices of training camp without permission, stayed back at the Cavs’ training facility and worked out as the team held a scrimmage in front of 5,000 fans, some of whom began lining up at 8 a.m. to get inside.

West has battled bipolar disorder and was recently arrested on gun possession charges in Maryland. A team spokesman said general manager Danny Ferry made the decision for West to sit out the scrimmage.

Ferry has not addressed West’s situation since media day on Monday.

[duncan228]

Updated.

Delonte West leaves Cavs again (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=txcavalierswest&prov=st&type=lgns)

Delonte West is gone again, but LeBron James is confident West will be there when it counts.

West has left the Cleveland Cavaliers for the second time during training camp, although this time he has the team’s blessing.

He had unexcused absences for the first four practices last week and he missed about 10 days last year during the preseason while dealing with personal issues. He returned as the second-most important player to the Cavaliers’ postseason run to the Eastern Conference finals and James believes he can count on West again this year.

“He’s one of the ones that we know is going to be there no matter what,” James said Wednesday. “When he’s out on that court, he forgets about everything else going on in his personal life. We’re looking forward to getting him back, but he’s going to take as much time as he needs.”

West has battled bipolar disorder and could face a league suspension stemming from an arrest last month on misdemeanor gun possession charges in Maryland.

General manager Danny Ferry held him out of the team’s scrimmage on Saturday, but he was expected to play between 15 and 20 minutes in Cleveland’s exhibition game against Charlotte on Tuesday. Instead, West never left the locker room to join his teammates on the bench.

He was not at practice on Wednesday and the team confirmed this absence is excused.

“It’s not a distraction because we’re all professionals and we’re a veteran club,” James said. “Guys will be ready. But sometimes you want your full team out there so you know what type of potential you have. I think we all know what Delonte’s capable of doing on the court.”

West started at shooting guard last season, but he also was Mo Williams’ only real backup at point guard. With West out indefinitely, the Cavaliers will lean heavily on fourth-year backup Daniel Gibson.

Gibson is known more for his 3-point shooting than his point skills, but he ran the offense in the win over the Bobcats while Williams was out of the game. James and newcomer Anthony Parker also have experience running an offense.

“Those types of guys (Parker and James) can be on the floor with Gib if at times he’s in trouble bringing it up,” coach Mike Brown said. “We feel our ball-handling capabilities are above average in general. But Delonte brings a different dynamic to the team than what we have.”

[NRHector]

the circus' personnel keeps growing
Coach Brown= MC
Shaq= the Elephant
Lebron = the clown
Delonte = the man with two heads

[cobbler]

If this was Artest we wold have pages upon pages screaming about how the chemistry is gone, there is no chance for the team to win now. etc etc

[Morg1411]

If this was Artest we wold have pages upon pages screaming about how the chemistry is gone, there is no chance for the team to win now. etc etc

But it isn't, so, uh....who gives a fuck?

[Culburn369]

If this was Artest we wold have pages upon pages screaming about how the chemistry is gone, there is no chance for the team to win now. etc etc

The Cobb, with the goods/realistic style.

[Morg1411]

The Cobb, with the goods/realistic style.

An endorsement from the Cul is the quickest way to lose any respectability around here. :tu