Delonte West

NBA player

When you hear the word "hero" what is the first thing you think of? Batman, Superman, Spider-man, or even the Incredible Hulk! But a hero can be more than a fictional character. A hero is someone who you look up to or who inspires you to be the best you. A hero is different in everyone's viewpoint. "Heroes represent the best of ourselves, respecting that we are human beings. A hero can be anyone from Gandhi to your classroom teacher, anyone who can show courage when faced with a problem. A hero is someone who is willing to help others in his or her best capacity" -Rickey Martin. Rickey Martin sums up what a hero can be to anyone. In eyes is someone who believes in God and trusts him, someone who is a leader and strong and knows it is okay to not be okay, and to know it is acceptable to make mistakes but be able to learn and from reflecting on those mistakes. My hero is my cousin and NBA player, Delonte West.

NBA player (Celtics)

Following your dreams, having a drive to be successful, and being able to achieve your goals when obstacles are in your way are three traits I see in a hero. Delonte West was born July 26, 1983 in Fort Washington, Maryland. He grew up in an unstable home, and at times, his family struggled financially. He came from barely nothing; however, he grew up trusting in the Lord and believed that his siblings and himself would grow up and be very successful. He has two brothers and one sister. His parents divorced when he was in elementary school and this took a big toll on Delonte. At times, Delonte struggled with which parent he wanted to live with and wished that his parents would get back together. Although his parents were not together, he had a huge support system, ranging from aunts and uncles to cousins and grandparents. With the hardship of growing up with parents that were divorced he found love with the game of basketball. He worked insanely hard through middle and high school to inspire his dream to play basketball professionally with the National Basketball Association. In 2001, after graduation, Delonte received a scholarship to Saint Joseph University, a Division 1 college located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 2004, his junior year at St. Joseph's, Delonte's dream came true; he got drafted into the NBA (National Basketball Association) as the 24th pick to the Boston Celtics located in Boston, Massachusetts. He played pretty well to be rookie in the NBA. Going above and beyond your goals to show the best you, shows how strong of a person you are and that is something I see in a hero. Delonte was voted to participate in the sophomore team for the Rookie Challenge at NBA All-Star Weekend in Houston, Texas. NBA All- Star Weekend is a very big deal for NBA players. As a hero of mine, his drive and willingness to be successful has really impacted my life. "My job is to play basketball. As far as bringing other guys in, that's up to the guys upstairs. I understand that the biggest thing for everyone is to improve this team for next year" - Delonte West. Since I love the game of basketball, also, I feel his success has made me work harder to reach my dreams like Delonte's to play basketball at college.

NBA player (Cavshistory.com)

Being a leader and being motivational to others is another trait I see in a hero. In 2007, Delonte was a free agent meaning his contract was up with the Boston Celtics. Delonte received a contract with the Seattle Supersonics. Delonte was the franchise player for the team. Since the team did not have many other key players on the team, Delonte stepped up and led the team. Although it was a rough season, Delonte mentored now standout guard, Kevin Durant. Most of the players on the team looked up to Delonte and all of his success at a young age. Since he only signed a one year contract with the Seattle Supersonics, the following season, he signed a 3 - year contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Delonte was ecstatic to sign this contract since Lebron James asked him to be part of the Cavaliers. Delonte was the starting point guard for the Cavaliers right next to King James, "I wasn't the main man but I was the man next to the man" - Delonte West. Delonte and LeBron lead the team for three magical and successful years. For three years straight, the Cavaliers went to the playoffs. One season, the Cavaliers had a home record of 39 wins and 2 loses. "We're going to use this trip to find ourselves. We need to find our identity. The best way to start this trip is with a W" - Delonte West. With changing of locations, team, and coaches Delonte still showed his leadership and motivation to win no matter where he was, and that is great to see in a human being but especially great in a hero.

Family ( (Allison West))

Heroes can be seen by others as perfect, but a hero in my eyes is capable of making mistakes. A hero knows it is okay to make mistakes, but you have to be able to learn and reflect from those mistakes to be a better and wiser person. Delonte had the ideal wonderful life, an NBA star with money, cars, massive houses, and many extravagant things. For someone who grew up with barely anything and suddenly having more than he knew what to do with, you would think life would be at easy. "Money cannot buy peace of mind. It cannot heal ruptured relationships, or build meaning into a life that has none"- Richard M. DeVos. While, it was not all glitz and glam for Delonte in the year of 2010. Delonte had many run ins with the legal system and a lot of extra drama and rumors with press and social news media. During that same year, Delonte was diagnosed with a mental illness of Bipolar disorder. "It always hurts to lose, no matter how it happens. It is even worse when you have made a major comeback." - Delonte West. All of these negative things, you would think it would bring a person down. Well not Delonte, he apologized for his troubling behavior and spoke to the world about Bipolar. As my hero, I thought it was brave of him to not become discouraged about his disorder but to want to help others who had also been diagnosed with the illness. He wanted people to know it was okay to not be okay. Delonte learned from his mistakes about being in trouble with the authorities. Because Delonte is my hero, I know no one is perfect except God and, yes, it is upsetting to see your hero get in trouble; however, I have learned from his mistakes and take precautions in what I do. I respect Delonte for owning up to his shortcomings, and I feel that is what a real hero should do.

NBA player ( Allison West)

My last hero trait is believing in God, and trusting God to get you through life since it can have its ups and downs. Since I was a little girl, Delonte has always told me that if you trust in the Lord, great things will happen to you. Delonte grew up in a household where religion played a big role. His family attended church every Sunday and was very involved in the church. He truly believes that without God on by his side, he would not have been this successful. He prays every night for good health, a great family, and for another day, and continuously thanks God for everything he does for him and his family. Delonte knew when he was being traded a lot during the years of 2008- 2010, he knew God was testing him to see how strong he was. Delonte went through the storm and made it through. "Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God" (1 John 5:5.)

Delonte being my hero has affected me in so many ways. With being a big sister, a student, a basketball player, and a God fearing Christian. I respect Delonte for all that he has done and for him being my role model. My hero is someone who follows their dream, having a drive to be successful, being able to achieve their goals when obstacles are in the way, being a leader, being motivational to others, knowing it is okay to make mistakes, believing and trusting in God. Heroes are made by the paths they choose, not the powers they are graced with"- Brodi Ashton, Everneath. But that is just the trait I see in a hero - who is your hero?