Toucher & Rich: Danny Ainge confirms Celtics previously hired Delonte West for scouting job
By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
People across the basketball world have expressed concerns after a disturbing video surfaced of former Celtics guard Delonte West getting attacked then speaking incoherently to police in the D.C. area. If it wasn’t clear before, it’s clear now that West is in serious need of help and guidance to get his life back on the right track.
It’s also known now that the Celtics are among the teams that have tried in the past to give West an opportunity to continue to have success in the NBA, even as a former player. The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported that the Celtics previously gave him a scouting job, if only to give him some kind of structure and stability.
Ainge confirmed in his weekly interview with 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Toucher & Rich that he’s been in contact with West in the recent past and also gave him work as a scout.
“Delonte has worked for us for a couple of years, at times, doing some scouting, college scouting in the D.C. and Philly area, yes,” Ainge said. “I’ve been in contact with Delonte over the last few years since his career has ended, periodically, off and on. But Delonte has obviously some troubles and some trials that he’s trying to deal with in his life, and I just hope that he can fix his life and get back on a good path.”
Charania’s report described West’s work with the Celtics has having “mixed results due to fluctuating attendance.” So while he did some work in the past, he couldn’t be depended upon to hold the job consistently.
Clearly, just giving West a job isn’t really enough to get him the help, support, and structure that he needs in his life to overcome his well-documented mental health issues. But it’s encouraging to know that his former teams have reached out and tried to help him – the Mavericks and owner Mark Cuban have also been in contact with him at times – and that so many of his former teammates have shown genuine concern for his well-being. Still, West looks like he has a long way to go if he wants to get better. Perhaps this latest incident can help inspire real change for him.
Listen to the full interview with Danny Ainge below:
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at [email protected].
