From Finnan. Personally, I'm waiting for Dellavedova to show signs that he can use his intelligence to make winning plays against NBA competition. I have been waiting since summer league to see him have a really solid game. Opportunity is right there for him.
Cavs: Dellavedova in battle for third point guard
By Bob Finnan, The News-Herald & The Morning Journal
Posted: 10/10/13, 6:47 PM EDT |
For those who marvel at athletically gifted players, look elsewhere.
The Cavaliers are enamored with Australian Matthew Dellavedova, who is competing for the third point guard spot behind Kyrie Irving and Jarrett Jack.
The 6-foot-4, 200-pound Dellavedova signed a partially guaranteed, two-year, $1.3 million contract. He’ll likely make the final roster.
“I’m expecting to try to make the team,” he said. “That’s what I’m here to do.”
Despite being at a disadvantage athletically, Dellavedova’s intangibles are what separate him from some of the free-agent invitees.
“If I were to bet, I’d bet half my salary that I’d get a dunk before he does, and I’m not even playing anymore,” Cavs coach Mike Brown said. “He’s a non-athlete, but he gets everything out of his body you could hope or ask for. That’s all you want.”
The Cavs scouted him during the 2012 Olympics in London, as he played well for Australia.
“It’s definitely helped me,” Dellavedova said. “The international style is definitely a step up from college. They are men, so there’s a physical style. It’s helped my development.”
The Aussies, coached by new Philadelphia 76ers coach Brett Brown, lost in the quarterfinals to the United States.
Dellavedova said Brett Brown paid as much attention to the defensive details as his coach with the Cavs. He said he’s picked up Mike Brown’s defensive system thus far.
“They’ve laid a very good foundation so far in training camp,” Dellavedova said.
Mike Brown said he was impressed with Dellavedova during a pre-draft workout at Cleveland Clinic Courts.
“By the end of the session, all five guys who were here for the session were listening to him,” he said. “He was telling them to do this, do that. All eyes were glued to him.
“He elevated that workout. Was he the most talented? No, he wasn’t the most talented guy. The leadership and intangible stuff, that’s hard to find. He’s an intelligent player. All the things you need to have a championship-level ball club, he brings to the table.”
Dellavedova, 22, said camp has been going well for him.
“(Being a floor leader is) definitely my strength, and knowing when to make the right play,” he said. “I scored a bit in college. I can shoot the 3. I can shoot a floater in the lane.”
He had two points and two rebounds in seven minutes against Milwaukee on Tuesday. He said he doesn’t know if he’ll play more minutes in the Orlando game at 7 p.m. Friday at Amway Center.
“I’ll be ready to go when my name is called,” he said.
He averaged 14.2 points and 5.6 assists in his four years at St. Mary’s University.
