Delonte West, Cleveland’s Difference Maker

From the Cleveland Plain-Dealer’s excellent beat writer Brian Windhorst comes the story of how, exactly, Delonte West finally made it onto the court for the Cavaliers. Apparently, his biggest advocates—literally and figuratively—were Shaq and Lebron James.

Delonte West can get support from the fans, which he did in his first game back. He can get help from the Cavs’ medical staff, which he has diligently over the last two years and especially over the last month. But ultimately his greatest support system is his teammates and they are a major reason why he was back on the floor against the Bobcats.

After the game, Shaquille O’Neal said that he and LeBron James went to coach Mike Brown and Danny Ferry and ask that West be cleared to play as soon as possible. It would not have happened without the doctors’ approval, but Shaq left the impression that he and LeBron’s request was taken into account. Apparently, West has been petitioning for their help to get cleared to play and they showed faith in him in sticking their neck out and asking for him back.

After the final horn, Mo Williams wrapped his arms around West on the floor and spoke into his ear. Mo wouldn’t reveal what he told him, but said his message was the team was glad to have him back and then he stressed that he wanted him to stay and do the things that will enable him to stay. It is one thing for a team to say they have a family atmosphere and it is another to prove it and with this, the Cavs did. The hope now is that it works, because over the last two years we have seen that nothing is easy with West.

And once he got there, the Cavaliers were a different basketball team, as SBN’s Cavs blog, Fear The Sword, points out:

Delonte West returned to the Cavaliers tonight and the results were immediate and ultra-effective. Delonte plays with an edge and attitude that the Cavs were missing the first 3 games of the season. It was back tonight and the Cavs looked much more comfortable – especially in the 2nd half.

West played 22 minutes in his return to the floor – scoring 13 points on 5-7 shooting. So much of what West does, however, isn’t found on a stat sheet. His tenacious defense, constantly getting a hand on the ball, deflecting passes – all of it is what West brings to the floor. He did so tonight – and the Cavs followed his lead.

West came off the bench tonight, but to be honest it seemed the team looked at its best when West was on the floor with the other starters – Shaq, LeBron, Mo and Andy – in the 4th quarter. It’s a role that fits West better and I’d imagine he will get back his starting spot soon.

And it’s true: West’s presence makes a world of difference for Cleveland. Just last week, we wrote that “Delonte West’s absence means the other guards on Cleveland’s roster are forced into roles that don’t exactly suit them. … Losing a key rotation guy like West ends up watering down the rest of your roster.” But with West in tow, Cleveland ran roughshod over the Wizards, locking them down defensively and clicking on offense better than they had in any of their games this year. Suddenly, they looked like the elite team they’ve been billed as. And it all happened with troubled guard Delonte West front and center. Coincidence? I think not.