Despite a 10-game suspension to begin the season and a reported tussle with teammate Von Wafer, the Celtics showed their faith in guard Delonte West throughout the 2010-11 season. West now has faith in the Celtics' ability to win another championship and wants to remain in green.
West's agent Jarinn Akana told ESPN on Wednesday of his client's desire to stay in Boston for the 2011-12 season.
"Delonte was drafted by Boston and he has a special place for Boston because of that," Akana said, "He spent some good years there, then came back last year and was able to play, but had injuries here and there. He did contribute, but he wanted to contribute more and help Boston advance further. Of course he'd like to be back, I think that's his No. 1 goal, to be back and help Boston win another championship."
West, along with current Celtic Jeff Green and veteran Wally Szczerbiak, was traded to the Seattle Supersonics prior to the 2007-08 season for Ray Allen. After playing with Seattle and the Cleveland Cavaliers, West found himself unable to gather many offers last offseason following a weapons charge.The Celtics eventually signed their former first-round pick to a non-guaranteed, minimum contract.
West made an impact upon his return, but injured his right wrist in November and had to miss nearly three months. West slid back into the rotation as Rajon Rondo and Allen's backup, and finished the season with 5.6 points and 2.7 assists per game.
With an injury to Rondo, West saw considerable time in the playoffs, averaging 10 points in over 23 minutes per game in the Celtics' second-round series against the Miami Heat.
Of course, West will be unable to sign with the C's until the lockout ends. Like many other stars, West has considered playing overseas during the work stoppage.
"With any player, there has to be due diligence to see what's happening [overseas]," Akana said. "That's basically where [West is] at. But he'd like to be back in Boston. He had a great time there, he loves his teammates and he loves the organization."
