FOR all the heroics Matthew Dellavedova displayed on the NBA court for the Cleveland Cavaliers this fortnight, it’s his performance off the court for which he should be most proud.
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In a chaotic period where labels such as ‘villain’ and ‘dirty’ were used to describe his play in the NBA Eastern Conference championship series against the Atlanta Hawks, Dellavedova carried himself with great honour.
The same must be said for his Maryborough-based parents Mark and Leanne who in the face of the onslaught of criticism aimed at their son, graciously resisted the temptation to get involved and simply thanked Cav fans for supporting him.
Who would have blamed them for saying what they must have been privately thinking – it was disgraceful form by NBA legend Reggie Miller and all those who joined the party to destroy their son’s reputation.
Atlanta Hawks radio play-by-play broadcaster Steve Holman was even happy to trash a career for a cheap laugh in likening Dellavedova to Tonya Harding in game four.
Where others would have given up, Delly refused to yield on his NBA dream
The shame of that is had Holman delved into Dellavedova’s story instead of throwing chum to the feeding frenzy on his career, he just might have discovered something akin to a fairytale.
The traits Matthew Dellavedova shows on the basketball court are not only what we love most about him but are the very reason he now rubs shoulders with the world’s best.
Dellavedova’s journey from Maryborough to the NBA is based on a never-say-die attitude and dogged determination .
Where others would have given up, Delly refused to yield on his NBA dream and conquered challenge after challenge to earn a place on the Cleveland Cavaliers roster.
In some ways getting there was the easy part, proving to everyone he belonged was the true test.
He has every reason to sit back now and feel mighty proud of what he’s achieved in the past few years and the important role he has played in getting the Cavs to within four wins of the NBA’s Holy Grail.
Yet, not for one minute will you hear him boast about it.
There’s no place for ‘talk’ in Dellavedova’s world – no matter how strong the barbs from Miller, Holman and co – for all that needs to be said comes in the form of his performance on the court.
One of the highlights for the week was seeing Dellavedova sitting next to the great LeBron James at a press conference following the Cleveland Cavaliers' vital game three victory.
To hear LeBron refer to Delly as ‘my guy’ was a clear indication that to those with opinions that actually matter in the NBA, his amazing journey is both recognised and valued.
Although, the Maryborough and Bendigo communities probably need to take some exception to the comments for Delly was ‘our guy’ first LeBron and we remain very, very proud of him.
