Based on talent alone, it's hard to argue that Delonte West wouldn't have a place on several playoff-bound teams. When you factor in all of the off-the-court issues plaguing the guard, the matter gets a little bit more complicated. West has nearly a lockout season's worth of postseason games (58) to his credit over the course of his career, but it's easy to understand why some teams might not even c0nsider picking him up. In tonight's column, Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld wonders aloud if a playoff team will sign West.
West is still eligible for this year's playoffs, provided that he is called up by April 17 in order to play in the first round. West has showed significant signs of rust in his first two games for the D-League's Texas Legends, but he'll be given the minutes necessary to show that he's back in playing shape. If West can make some things happen in the D-League, a team could sign him to a 10-day contract and then give him a deal for the remainder of the season.
There are several teams keeping a watchful eye on West, including the Knicks, who would like to add another one-guard to the fold. They'll have the spot to make the pickup too if they wind up cutting Kurt Thomas or Rasheed Wallace. Whether they (or any of the other 15 playoff teams) want to introduce the troubled guard to the locker room is another question. Do you see West in an NBA uniform a month from now?