DALLAS -- With the Dallas Mavericks unable to hold their own on the boards during the first seven preseason games, it was obvious they had to get another big body in training camp.
And it was obvious that one of the seven guards were going to be finding employment elsewhere.
Unfortunately for Delonte West, he's the guard most likely to be finding employment elsewhere. Especially since he was suspended today -- for the second time in 11 days -- for "conduct detrimental to the team.''
In the meantime, because of injuries to Dirk Nowitzki, Chris Kaman and Brandan Wright, the Mavs need some serious help on the frontline. That's why they're bringing in centers Eddy Curry, Chris Douglas-Roberts and Melvin Ely.
The Mavs bend over backwards to make it work with West. But they are close to cutting ties with the wily veteran after he was suspended without pay today.
West was a favorite of the team, coaches and fans. But he has a bipolar disorder, and sometimes his mood swings get him in trouble.While West was a valuable asset to the Mavs, they apparently could no longer deal with the distruptions he brought to the team.
The Mavs have until Monday to rid themselves of West, freeing them the opportunity to add Curry, Ely or Douglas-Roberts to their 15-man roster. As far as the players are concerned, they're ready to just focus on playing basketball.
"As a team we've got to look forward to moving on,'' point guard Darren Collison said. "And I think we’re ready to move on.''
Collison said there's one sure-fire way to put the West situation behind them.
"Win games,'' Collison said. "Focus on winning games.
"You focus on winning games and everything else will take care of itself.''
For his part, West contends he is innocent and that an agrument between two Mavs didn't involve him. West then went on his Twitter account to plead his case, tweeting:
"Just ask u to talk with me....I'm a grown man...that's not above logic and reason...Before u go to the papers wit false information.
"That my name showin up in any fashion in a negative light is the worst thing that can happen.everything Ived worked towards out d window.
"I love the city of Dallas..I love playin in the NBA...no I'm not off my meds...no I ain't on no bipolar trip...this real people lives.''
-- Dwain Price
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@dwainprice
:( It's kinda saddening to see Delonte go like this. You never really notice the value of what you have until you've lost it, and I think that once we lose him, we're going to be looking at this ruefully.
Posted by: Kiara41hanna | October 26, 2012 at 06:56 AM