Matthew Dellavedova makes NBL return, signing with Melbourne United
Matthew Dellavedova is back in the NBL after signing a two-year deal to return to Melbourne United.
Dellavedova’s year-long stint with the Sacramento Kings is coming to an end, it was announced on Wednesday, as the 32-year-old returns to the Australian team he spent the 2021-22 season with.
Dellavedova played 32 games for the Kings in the 2022-23 season, which saw the team qualify for the NBA playoffs for the first time in 16 years.
He averaged 1.5 points, 1.3 rebounds and 0.3 assists in those games but provided important veteran leadership and experience for a young team.
Speaking to ESPN, Dellavedova said his desire to qualify for Australia’s upcoming World Cup squad was a big reason behind his decision to return to United and once again take on a bigger role on the pitch.
“With the World Cup this year and the Olympics next year, I feel like the best thing for me is to play a lot,” Dellavedova said.
“I really enjoyed my year in Sacramento. We had a great group there; it was really fun helping them get back into the playoffs. But I really want to play too.”
“Probably there’s more role differences and you just get a lot more reps with the ball in your hands, making plays and things like that.”
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Melbourne fans will be delighted if Dellavedova returns to the club; During his previous tenure, the guard averaged 10.3 points, 4.9 assists and 3.1 rebounds per game and led the team to the minors championship with a 20-8 record, despite falling into the playoffs after a shock upset against Tasmania went down Jack Jumpers.
Delly’s signing is the latest in an impressive string of free agency signings from Melbourne United, alongside Luke Travers, Jo Lual-Acuil Jr., Flynn Cameron and others.
Combine that with the return of Ariel Hukporti from injury and the constant presence of Chris Goulding and Melbourne could be back in the NBL title hunt in a big way.
Current Melbourne United squad
| COACH | Dean Vickerman |
| signings | Flynn Cameron, Jo Lual-Acuil Jr., Tanner Krebs, Campbell Blogg (DP), Luke Travers, Kyle Bowen, Matthew Dellavedova |
| DEPARTURES | David Okwera, Mason Peatling, Makuach Maluach, Isaac Humphries |
| NEW SIGNATURES | Ariel Hukporti (NS), Dean Vickerman (Coach), Brad Newley |
| CURRENT ORDER | Chris Goulding, Shea Ili, Josh Duach (DP), Zac Triplett (DP), Flynn Cameron, Ariel Hukporti (NS), Jo Lual-Acuil Jr., Tanner Krebs, Campbell Blogg (DP), Luke Travers, Kyle Bowen, Brad Newley, Matthew Dellavedova |