Delonte West might have missed the memo that practice starts on Tuesday. Mike Brown said Delonte’s absence is unexcused and might face a fine by the team.
According to general manager Danny Ferry who spoke to West at length yesterday, he said West is dealing with personal issues, however he declined to speak with reporters today.
Even Lebron James tried calling him but no answer: “We’ve tried…We don’t know if he has his phone. You don’t look into it. Either he answers or he doesn’t” Lebron said today.
“I’m sure he’ll be OK, we’re going to give him as much time as he needs,” James said. “Basketball has nothing to do with what is going on. When he comes back we’ll welcome him. When he gets back it is going to be just like when he was here.”
West, who has battled depression and mood disorders for years, also could face suspension by the league after he was recently arrested for gun possession in Maryland.
West also missed 10 days last year during training camp to seek help for his mental illness.
“We’re all concerned about Delonte’s well-being. We love him and we’re all in the same family,” Brown said. “But in the same breath, we’re all paid to do a job and that’s what we’re doing. I’ve got 18 guys here I have to coach every day and that’s what I’m doing.”
“I’d be worried about someone who doesn’t have a supporting cast around him and not trying to help him. I’m really not concerned about him,” said guard Mo Williams.
“If he comes to practice tonight, it’ll be like he never left.”