Australian basketball superstar Matthew Dellavedova signs with defending champions Melbourne United

Melbourne United is excited to announce that Australian basketball superstar Matthew Dellavedova has signed with Melbourne United on a 3-year deal.

The 30-year-old has played eight seasons in the NBA after going undrafted in 2013, amassing almost 450 NBA games at the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Milwaukee Bucks. Known for his incredible passion and competitiveness, the point guard earned cult hero status because of his relentless hustle and tenacity.

The Victorian-native was part of the 2016 NBA Championship-winning Cleveland Cavaliers, where he played alongside Lebron James, Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving. Dellavedova has also represented Australia at both the London and Rio Olympics as well as at the past two FIBA World Cups.

With Dellavedova set to make his long-awaited return, basketball fans across the country will be jumping at the chance to see one of the best players to ever wear the green and gold on a basketball court, on a weekly basis in a Melbourne United jersey.

Dellavedova said: " I am really excited to sign with Melbourne United and come back to the NBL. It's a great team with a winning culture and some great teammates that I've loved playing with in the past for the Boomers.”

Melbourne United Head Coach Dean Vickerman said: “It is huge – for our sport, for this league and for our club. To have Delly back home in Victoria, playing in front of the Melbourne United fans – I think it is something that we should all be really excited about.”

“He’s going to bring everything that we are looking for in that position. Elite-level competitiveness, hustle, grit, grind and passion. He is also an excellent facilitator, with his ability to pass the basketball he will make everyone else around him even better.”

Melbourne United has also agreed to terms that would allow Dellavedova to continue to consider opportunities within the NBA via the upcoming free agency period.

“I want to thank the club for being flexible and giving me the opportunity to explore NBA opportunities in free agency.” Dellavedova said.

“Melbourne is close to family and my hometown of Maryborough, and I have always wanted to come back here and play at some point. I'm glad to make the announcement today that when that time comes, I’ll be pulling on a United jersey.”

“The NBL is a quality league that continues to evolve and has a lot of respect around the world - I'm excited for the challenge and continuing to help grow the game of basketball in Australia.”

“For now, there is one focus - the Boomers and winning a Gold Medal."

The two-time Olympian is currently preparing with his new teammate Chris Goulding and the other Australian Boomers in Las Vegas, as the team pursues a medal at the Tokyo Olympics later this month.

With the NBL Free Agency period now well underway, Melbourne United continue to focus on compiling a highly competitive roster for the NBL22 Season. Melbourne United fans are also encouraged to sign on with the club, with NBL22 Memberships now on sale. Now is the Time To Unite, as Dellavedova and his new teammates aim to win another Championship for Melbourne United.

BECOME AN NBL22 MEMBER HERE 

Existing Melbourne United Members shall receive an email next week regarding the renewal of your membership for next season.