Last season, West was the starting shooting guard on the team with the best record in the Eastern Conference. He had the new contract. Was playing with LeBron. Life looked good, even if the Cavs fell a series short of the NBA Finals.
Then, he drove that motorcycle on I-495 in September.
"When you try to look at a silver lining in the whole thing, to play in that league with the best in the world and having all this swirling around you, he is a great, great talent," Martelli said.
Cavs coach Mike Brown concurred.
"He's a very good basketball player and a very good person," Brown said. "His work ethic . . . is off the charts.
"I've got a son in the ninth grade who's a decent player. He's a lefty [like West]. I tell my son, 'Any time Delonte's on the floor, working out, watch him.' He's got to be one of the best workout players I've ever been around, ever seen.
"His imagination when he's working out, the skills that he works on are off the charts. I tell my son, 'Watch Delonte.' If he does, it'll help his game."
Anybody who has spent much time watching West practice or play knows of his unique ability. The playing has never been an issue. It is that time away from the court that has been quite a bit more difficult.
