Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Delonte West

Discover the career path of Delonte West, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Delonte West is a former professional basketball player who played in the NBA for several teams, including the Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Dallas Mavericks. He also had stints in the Chinese Basketball Association and the NBA Development League. West played college basketball at Saint Joseph's University. After his basketball career, West has faced challenges, and has reportedly been seen homeless in recent years.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2004: Drafted by the Boston Celtics

In 2004, Delonte West left St. Joseph's after his junior year and was selected as the 24th pick in the NBA draft by the Boston Celtics.

2005: Named Starting Point Guard

In 2005, after transitioning to point guard during his rookie season, Delonte West was named the starting point guard by head coach Doc Rivers at the beginning of the 2005-06 season.

2005: NBA Season

In the 2005-06 NBA season, Delonte West averaged 11.8 points per game (PPG), 4.1 rebounds per game (RPG), and 4.6 assists per game (APG).

February 12, 2006: Named to Rookie Challenge

On February 12, 2006, Delonte West was chosen to represent the Boston Celtics on the sophomore team for the Rookie Challenge at NBA All-Star Weekend, replacing his college teammate Jameer Nelson who withdrew due to injuries.

June 27, 2007: Traded to Seattle SuperSonics

On June 27, 2007, Delonte West was traded to the Seattle SuperSonics along with Wally Szczerbiak and the 5th overall pick in the 2007 NBA draft (Jeff Green) in exchange for Ray Allen and Glen Davis, after three seasons in Boston.

February 21, 2008: Traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers

On February 21, 2008, Delonte West was involved in a three-team trade that sent him, Ben Wallace, Joe Smith, and Wally Szczerbiak to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The trade also sent Larry Hughes, Shannon Brown, Drew Gooden, and Cedric Simmons to the Chicago Bulls, and Donyell Marshall, Ira Newble, and Adrian Griffin to Seattle. He reunited with his Saint Joseph's teammate Dwayne Jones.

March 30, 2008: Season-High Assists

On March 30, 2008, as a Cavalier, Delonte West had a season-high 11 assists against the Philadelphia 76ers.

April 27, 2008: Game-Winning Three-Pointer

On April 27, 2008, Delonte West made a tie-breaking three-pointer with 5.4 seconds remaining in a playoff game against the Washington Wizards. This game-winning shot gave the Cleveland Cavaliers a 3-1 lead in the first-round series.

September 12, 2008: Signed Contract with Cavaliers

On September 12, 2008, Delonte West signed a three-year, $12.7 million contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He was moved to the starting shooting guard position at the start of the season after the team acquired Mo Williams.

March 2, 2009: Career-High Steals

On March 2, 2009, Delonte West achieved a career-high of eight steals in a game against the Miami Heat.

2009: Season Performance

During the 2009-10 NBA season, Delonte West averaged 8.8 points in 25 minutes per game with only three games as a starter for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

September 1, 2010: Signed with Boston Celtics

On September 1, 2010, Delonte West signed a one-year contract with the Boston Celtics to serve as a backup point guard to Rajon Rondo.

2010: Suspension and Season Performance

In 2010, Delonte West was suspended for the first ten games of the 2010-11 season due to a guilty plea to weapons charges in Maryland. He finished the 2010-11 season with averages of 5.6 points per game, 0.8 steals per game, and 2.7 assists per game, while shooting .867 from the free throw line.

2010: Playoff Performance

In the 2010 NBA Playoffs, the Cavaliers lost in the Conference Semifinals to the Boston Celtics in six games. Delonte West averaged 6.7 points in the playoffs.

December 13, 2011: Signed with Dallas Mavericks

On December 13, 2011, Delonte West signed with the Dallas Mavericks. During the 2011-12 season, he averaged 9.6 points per game.

July 26, 2012: Re-signed with Mavericks

On July 26, 2012, Delonte West re-signed with the Dallas Mavericks.

October 15, 2012: First Suspension by Mavericks

On October 15, 2012, Delonte West was suspended indefinitely by the Dallas Mavericks following an argument after a preseason loss. He was later reinstated after one day.

October 29, 2012: Waived by Mavericks

On October 29, 2012, Delonte West was waived by the Dallas Mavericks after being suspended again on October 25 for the same reason after another preseason loss.

January 25, 2013: Acquired by Texas Legends

On January 25, 2013, Delonte West was acquired by the Texas Legends of the NBA D-League.

March 16, 2013: Legends Debut

On March 16, 2013, Delonte West debuted for the Texas Legends, scoring 10 points in an 85–103 loss to the Santa Cruz Warriors.

October 2013: Signed with Fujian Xunxing

In October 2013, Delonte West signed a one-year deal with Fujian Xunxing of China.

July 2014: Joined Los Angeles Clippers for Summer League

In July 2014, Delonte West joined the Los Angeles Clippers for the 2014 NBA Summer League.

September 2014: Signed with Shanghai Sharks

In September 2014, Delonte West signed a one-year deal with the Shanghai Sharks, returning to China for a second stint.

January 12, 2015: Signed with Guaros de Lara

On January 12, 2015, Delonte West signed with Guaros de Lara of the Venezuelan Liga Profesional de Baloncesto but left the team before playing in a game.

March 12, 2015: Reacquired by Texas Legends

On March 12, 2015, Delonte West was reacquired by the Texas Legends and played that night against the Delaware 87ers. In 19 minutes off the bench, he recorded 10 points and six rebounds in a 122–119 loss.

January 2020: Video Surfaced and Scouting Role

In January 2020, a video surfaced online showing Delonte West in handcuffs on a Washington, D.C., highway. Also in January 2020, it was reported that West worked as a scout for the Boston Celtics but was unable to continue in the role.