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Matthew Dellavedova – NBA champion.
Three years ago you would have been laughed out of the United States if you said the unfashionable point guard from Maryborough would become an NBA champion.
Therein lies why “Delly” has become a crowd favourite in Cleveland and one of Australia’s most recognisable sporting stars.
From his junior days in Maryborough and with the Bendigo Junior Braves through to his college career in the US with St Mary’s, Dellavedova’s work ethic set him apart.
He never took no for an answer and always backed his own ability even when plenty of people were lining up to tell him otherwise.
Now he is an NBA champion. It’s a stunning story of perseverance and self belief.
It’s a tale that should inspire every young central Victorian.
David Blatt, who coached Dellavedova at the Cavs, summed up the Maryborough native best.
"That's one of those things when you're talking to kids or prospective players and talk about character and what it means to have it, you might as well say 'Matthew Dellavedova'," Blatt said.
"He embodies all the good things you want to see in players and team-mates.
“From an underrated kid that not a lot of people thought would be in this league, that's admirable."
While Dellavedova had little impact on the Cavs’ 4-3 series win over Golden State, his contribution to the title run shouldn’t be underestimated.
When starting point guard Kyrie Irving was out of the line-up for the first part of the season, Dellavedova was instrumental in getting the Cavs off to a flying start.
In the regular season he took his game to another level, particularly offensively.
He improved his three-point shooting efficiency and had one of the best assist to turnover ratios in the NBA.
When games were on the line down the stretch, Delly was on court for the Cavs more often than not.
His defensive energy and ability to make the right decision with ball in hand earned him respect from his coaching staff, team-mates and the NBA experts who three years earlier had wrote him off.
This season he averaged 7.5 points, 4.4 assists and 2.1 rebounds per game – solid numbers for a back-up point guard.
That’s why there’s a number of NBA clubs who are keen to give Dellavedova, who is now a restricted free agent, a big pay rise and sign him for next NBA season.
While Dellavedova would undoubtedly want to stay with the Cavs for the rest of his career, the world of professional sport means there’s no guarantees.
Whether he leaves Cleveland or not, Dellavedova will always hold a special place in the hearts of Cavs fans.
