Matthew Dellavedova Grew In Cleveland, Must Take Next Step In Milwaukee
Matthew Dellavedova went from an undrafted free agent to a fan-favorite with the Cleveland Cavaliers, now he must take the next step with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Matthew Dellavedova was an undrafted free agent that landed on the Cleveland Cavaliers. It was somewhat of a surprise that he went undrafted after being the star of the mid-major Saint Mary’s Gaels.
In his final two seasons with the Gaels, Dellavedova averaged 15.7 points and 6.4 assists per game combined. In his junior year he won the West Coast Conference’s Player of the Year Award.
Nonetheless, Dellavedova landed in possibly the best situation possible for him to grow as a player. Playing alongside Kyrie Irving and LeBron James instantly made Dellavedova mature as a basketball player and become more efficient.
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Dellavedova in his time in Cleveland. He started out playing 17.4 minutes per game and his role increased each year.
Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 8/10/2016.
The biggest increase in his game came with his three-point shooting. He consistently developed into a reliable three-point shooter, which was his greatest contribution to the team on the offensive end. The Cavs needed him to be a floor spacer, and that’s what he became.
Defensively is where Dellavedova makes the biggest impact on the game. He can stick to his opponents like glue through screens, great ball-handling and slashing to the basket. His aggressive style of play is enough to force careless turnovers and rattle opponents.
Playing with the Cavaliers was huge for Dellavedova’s confidence. He became a fan-favorite amongst Cavalier fans, who will continue support him when he visits The Q with the Milwaukee Bucks.
His increasing play was enough to land him a four-year, $38 million deal with the Bucks, where he has the potential to be a key rotational player and perhaps compete for the starting point guard role.
First, Dellavedova is playing for the Australian National Team at the 2016 Rio Olympics. He is playing with great confidence, connecting on alley-oops with Andrew Bogut and finishing with 23 points and 13 assists against Serbia.
Once the Olympics are over, Dellavedova will be committed to improving the young Bucks, who have a talented and freakishly athletic young core. This is an opportunity for him to really improve as a player overall.
Dellavedova, 25, will compete with Michael Carter-Williams for the starting point guard position. It’s possible that Dellavedova has a real opportunity to win the job if he can prove that he can take care of the basketball.
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Dellavedova had a 17.7 turnover rate last season with the Cavaliers. Conversely, Carter-Williams had a 19.6 turnover rate with the Bucks and has a career turnover rate 18.4. Though, MCW’s career usage rate is 24.8 compared to Dellavedova’s 14.1.
There’s no way to gauge how Dellavedova would play with increased responsibilities. In his final season with the Cavs, his turnover rate increased slightly.
Though as Dellavedova has shown in the Olympics, he can create highlight reel plays. That will bode well with a team that features freakish length with Giannis Antetokounmpo, Thon Maker and Khris Middleton.
The Bucks have the weapons that Dellavedova needs to thrive as a passer and ball handler. He’s going to continue to be a great defensive weapon, and should continue his consistent shooting abilities. Milwaukee is a pivotal point in Delly’s career to grow as a player and become an even better offensive weapon.
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Cavs fans can cherish the moments they’ve had with Dellavedova and what he brought to the team. It’s a bond that won’t be broken, or forgotten, but now it’s time to let Dellavedova take the next step with the Bucks.