Troubled NBA star spotted for first time since viral, concerning video

An NBA star that lost his entire $16 million fortune has addressed the confronting, viral video that left fans worried for his future.

Former NBA player Delonte West insists he’s doing OK and isn’t done with the NBA after a viral video emerged last week showing him begging for money on the side of the road in Virginia.

“It is what it is,” West told The Image Direct when asked how he is doing in wake of the video, as reported by The New York Post.

“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,” added West, who has two sons.

The confronting video showed West holding up a sign written on cardboard before he shakes hands with a man inside a vehicle.

Delonte West in the NBA.

West played in the NBA for eight seasons, representing the Boston Celtics, Seattle Supersonics, Cleveland Cavaliers and Dallas Mavericks. He earned upwards of $16 million in salary across his time in the league.

The 24th overall pick by the Celtics in the 2004 NBA Draft, has publicly dealt with mental health struggles, substance abuse and bipolar disorder.

He entered rehab in 2020 with help from Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. Last October, he reportedly relapsed and was arrested outside a Florida police department.

In February, West made headlines when video footage showed the former NBA guard getting shots up in the gym. TMZ reported at the time that he was training to try out for Ice Cube’s BIG3 league. West reportedly “no-showed” for the league’s draft last month.

A fan video shows Delonte West near a main street. Photo: Twitter.

Delonte West speaking to a fan. Photo: TikTok.

“I was excited to have the opportunity,” he said, adding, “I’ll be there next season. I’ll be there rooting guys on.”

West, 38, also said he hopes to one day join an NBA coaching staff.

“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.”

— This story originally appeared on nypost.com and has been republished with permission.

Originally published as Troubled NBA star spotted for first time since viral, concerning video