Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
Delonte West is one available free agent who’s still on NBA teams’ radars. West could also be an option to relieve some of the Philadelphia 76ers‘ woes at point guard.
The Sixers could use a defensive minded guard who could knock down the outside shots. That’s something the league lacks, and West can provide both.
He can be a combo guard with the ability to provide relief to draft pick Michael Carter-Williams who struggled during the summer league and will take time to adjust during the season.
West averaged 9.6 points, 1.3 steals, 3.2 assists to go with 35.5 percent three-point shooting in 44 games during the lockout shortened season with the Dallas Mavericks two years ago. His 1.3 steals and solid three-point shooting would open the Sixers offense rather than rely on a frail inside game from the big men or some quick shots just to beat the buzzer.
The Sixers are stacked with point guards, Williams, Royal Ivey, Justin Holiday, Charles Jenkins. The only problem is most of them either lack experience or will give them much depth at the position. Williams is the only one with potential.
ESPN has reported the New York Knicks and Memphis Grizzlies have shown interest in West.
The difficulty with signing West, even if comes at a bargain, is his immaturity and off the court issues. He hasn’t played in the NBA for over a year and his bipolar disorder could have an effect in the locker room. He was also rumored to clash with LeBron James when they were teammates on the Cleveland Cavaliers. He may need some time adjusting.
Signing West may not be bad considering he would be a bargain for the Sixers and he was a product of City Six Philadelphia basketball during his days playing for then-top ranked Saint Joseph’s University.
Alan Gung is a Philadelphia 76ers writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @AlanGung, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
