Photo Credit: Daniel Shirey/ USA TODAY Sports

Delonte West Says He’s Doing Fine After Viral Panhandling Video; Wants To Join The NBA As A Coach This Year

Delonte West, known for his stints with the Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers and Dallas Mavericks, last played for the NBA in 2012. He has been through a very rough patch since then.

West has had issues with mental health and drug addiction in recent years. In September of 2020, he was checked into rehab with the help of Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban after footages of him begging for money on the streets made rounds on social media.

Just weeks ago, West drew the attention of many NBA fans once again after he was seen panhandling on the streets in Alexandria, Virginia. The brief video of him immediately went viral and caused many to wonder about the former NBA guard.

Delonte West spotted back in the streets panhandling pic.twitter.com/c27NJjwpxH

— My Mixtapez (@mymixtapez) June 11, 2022

TMZ, a popular news website, had the chance to get in touch with West after his viral panhandling video. The 38-year old ex-NBA player now insisted that he’s doing fine and is currently in between jobs.

“It is what it is,” West said. “I got children. I’m in between jobs. People can help me as much as they can, but you know, as a man, I gotta do what I gotta do for my babies.”

West also offered some insight on his recent attempt to make a professional basketball comeback with Ice Cube’s BIG3 league earlier this year. According to West, he had his tryouts but the competition was too tough for him to get a roster spot.

West said that he’s thankful for the opportunity with the BIG3, and he is now looking forward to making a stint in the NBA as a head or assistant coach after being involved as a scout for the Mavericks and the Celtics in the past few years.

“I’m always involved in the game I love. Last year, I was scouting for the Dallas Mavericks and the previous three years, I was an NBA scout for the Boston Celtics.”

“I was actually looking forward to being a head coach or assistant coach in the NBA this season but like I said, it’s a business that have a lot of people involved and wanna stay involved.”

“Prayerfully, luckily I’ll be up for discussion this upcoming season.”