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There are no best practices or guides for dealing with an athlete with a diagnosed mental illness.

The Cavaliers have been patient with Delonte West. Every decision regarding their talented but troubled guard is made with caution because, although they dealt with West last year, the situation is an unfinished puzzle of doctors, coaches, front-office execs and counselors. There is no rulebook for how to proceed, and greater sensitivity is needed with a player who is sick and not simply acting out, sitting out or misbehaving for contractual or professional reasons.

The organization and the league aren’t the only ones in uncharted waters. The media that regularly cover the team are in a similar position. How do you couch analysis or report information when the...