Mavs Player Experiences Highs And Lows In NBA Spotlight
DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - When the public thinks about the NBA and it's highly-paid players they never think that some could be homeless or living out of their own car - but that's exactly how the 2012 season started for one Dallas Maverick player.
Mavs point guard Delonte West turned out to be the exception to the NBA millionaire rule. Not only has he had well publicized brushes with the law, including a 2009 weapons charge where he narrowly avoided jail, he has also struggled with bipolar disorder. Unfortunately West thinks his mental illness has also effected his ability to make wise financial decisions - including the ability to garner endorsements.
West reportedly made $14Mil over his NBA career playing with the Celtics, Seattle Supersonics and Cleveland Cavaliers. His current salary with the Mavs is said to be in excess of $850,000...more than enough to live on, right?
But following a recent divorce and having his income cut-off during the NBA lockout West found himself working at a Maryland furniture store just to make ends meet. He sold his cars, jewelry and almost everything he owns - except his home and clothes to stay afloat.
After being traded from the Boston Celtics to the Mavs in 2011, West was unable to find an apartment in Dallas due to his financial and legal troubles - so he ended up sleeping in the Mavs locker room at the AAC when the team was playing at home or he would park in the team garage and sleep in his car.
Team owner Mark Cuban found out about West's situation and made sure his player had a place to live. Since then, the 28-year-old swingman has gotten his life back on track and become a contributor off the Mavs' bench.
West was forced back to bench on Febuary 15th after fracturing and dislocating his right ring finger. He is currently on the disabled list.
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