It’s going to be an interesting summer in Dallas. Can they lure Deron Williams back to his home town? Can they find a way to trade for Dwight Howard (not likely)? If those plans fall through, what does Mark Cuban have up his sleeve?
Whatever happens Delonte West wants to be a part of it.
That’s what he told the Dallas Morning News.He also understands that this summer he is an afterthought — Dallas has big issues to work out before they get to filling out the bench.
“I’m just a valuable piece to a bigger puzzle,’' he said. “I can play multiple positions, I can come off the bench or start and I hope I’ve shown some of that and some toughness.
“I feel like I’ve done my time. And I’ve taken a step back from the spotlight. I’ve done a lot of growing and I’m just going into my prime. I know who I am as a player and what I can bring to a team. I think I came back stronger after the injury. I started attacking the basket even with my hand being the way it was. Like I said, I’m praying that the Mavericks see all that.’'
West had an interesting year in Dallas, from starting the season out homeless to giving Gordon Hayward a wet willie.
Still, depending on fit and cost, West could well return to Dallas. He fought back from a major finger injury and gave the Mavericks solid production — 9.6 points per game and a PER right at the league average of 15.3. But it will be a while before Dallas gets to him.
