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It’s almost as if the New York Knicks are looking to fill their roster with as many head cases as possible. First, they give J.R Smith a big extension, then they sign Metta Worldpeace … What’s next? Are they going to sign a guy who’s been convicted on weapons charges, suspended multiple times for disorderly conduct and suffers from bipolar disorder?
Well, maybe.
A source recently reported that the Knicks have shown interest in signing veteran point guard, Delonte West. West’s most recent NBA stint ended after being released from the Dallas Mavericks in 2012 following two suspensions in the same month. Since then, he’s been playing in the D-League for the Texas Legends.
There’s no denying the fact that West has talent. He’s averaged just under 10 points per game in his NBA career and has played a pivotal role in several playoff games. West is a scoring point guard with a solid mid-range game, decent three-point shot, and a tendency to turn the ball over. All in all, he’s not what the Knicks need right now.
West’s contributions won’t be worth the potential headache for Mike Woodson. He can score off the dribble and might add some nice variety to the Knicks’ rotation, but he doesn’t take care of the basketball or shoot the ball well enough to be a worthy investment. He comes with too much baggage, and that’s not what the Knicks need.
West suffers from severe mental illness, which has essentially derailed his professional career. He deserves another chance, a chance to redeem himself, but not from the Knicks. The spotlight in New York is bigger than in most other cities, and that wouldn’t bode well for West’s situation. As far as backup point guards go, he’s just not the answer.
But given the Knicks’ recent moves, who knows where they’ll go with this one?
Jesse Schwartz is a Writer at www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter.
