It's been a whirlwind few years for Matthew Dellavedova, who now finds himself back in the NBA with the Sacramento Kings.
Dellavedova, who spent last season in Australia's NBL with Melbourne United, signed a one-year, non-guaranteed deal with the Kings, re-uniting with former coach Mike Brown, who took over as the Kings head coach in the offseason.
Brown coached the Cleveland Cavaliers during Delly's rookie season in the league, working closely with the Australian guard, with that bond playing a key role in bringing the 2016 champion back to the league.
Matthew Dellavedova on choosing the Kings and his health after a rough couple of seasons: pic.twitter.com/dJKOVLBexP
— James Ham (@James_HamNBA) September 26, 2022
At Kings media day, Dellavedova praised Brown's 'attention to detail' citing their time together as a key foundation for his professional career.
"I was lucky enough to have him in my rookie season and he really taught defensively so well and really gave me a great base and understanding of how to play NBA defense," Dellavedova said.
"I think that's really helped me throughout my whole career to have that great start because not a lot of coaches are so detail-oriented and to be able to get that right at the beginning proved a solid base, I think that's the biggest thing that I probably took from him my rookie season."
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Dellavedova's last stint in the NBA came with the Cavaliers in 2020-21, however, his season was derailed by injuries, only appearing in 13 games, before returning to Australia.
With the lighter playing schedule in the NBL, Dellavedova says he used the past year to get his body healthy while still competing at a high level.
"I had a tough couple years but was able to go to Australia and play in all the games there, body felt great and really had a lot of time to lift and work on some things and feeling great coming in," he said.
The veteran guard brings with him plenty of experience — both in the NBA and internationally — to a squad looking to end their 16-year playoff drought, alongside De'Aaron Fox, Harrison Barnes and Domantas Sabonis.
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"Obviously have played against Harrison Barnes before and know his reputation, have played against Sabonis internationally quite a few times and watched him when he was at Gonzaga, playing against St. Mary's, but getting to play with and against the guys in Vegas, it was just a good feel about the group and that's why I'm excited to be here," he added.
As it stands, the Kings have 12 players whose contracts are fully guaranteed this season, leaving three roster spots up for grabs between six players, including KZ Okpala, Kent Bazemore, Quinn Cook, Sam Merrill, Chima Moneke and Dellavedova.
“I’m excited," Dellavedova said. "I think we have a good team here and I’m excited to get into the real stuff.”
