Mark Cuban Helps Former NBA Player Delonte West After Viral Panhandling Photo

Former NBA player Delonte West has fallen on hard times since his playing career ended in 2012. Recently, a picture surfaced of him panhandling off a Dallas highway went viral, eliciting concern from many around the NBA. Now, it appears that West is getting some help.

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, after days of trying to reach out, finally got in touch with West and has set him up in a local hotel, TMZ reports. West’s family and friends are anxious to get him into rehab, the report states. Cuban has offered to help cover those costs.

Cuban confirmed TMZ’s reporting in an e-mail, but declined to comment further on West’s condition.

West’s trouble’s since leaving the NBA have been well documented. Other pictures of him in various states of distress have also gone viral in recent years. Former Los Angeles Clippers Head Coach Doc Rivers, former teammate Jameer Nelson and the National Basketball Players Association have all been actively trying to get help for West, TMZ reports.  

West last played in the NBA during the 2011-12 season for Cuban’s Mavericks. That year he averaged 9.6 points, 2.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists. He has career averages of 9.7 points, 2.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists.

West played for the Boston Celtics (twice), Cleveland Cavaliers and Mavericks during his eight years in the NBA. He earned an estimated $16.2 million during his career.