Delly coming back to United with a head of steam

Written by Melbourne United Media

Fresh off a successful season helping the Sacramento Kings break their decades-long playoff drought, Matthew Dellavedova is returning to the NBL with Championship-winning intentions.

The legendary Australian point guard was instrumental to United’s top-of-the-table regular season in NBL22, orchestrating Melbourne’s offence and locking down opposing guards on the other end.

Dellavedova was voted as one of the league’s best six ‘back court’ players for his efforts, making All-NBL 2nd Team, however his Head Coach believes he will be even better in NBL24.

Speaking on the new Melbourne United Podcast, ‘The Extra Pass’, Dean Vickerman outlined the sort of form Dellavedova is coming into the team in.

“The first thought is that he’s going to be better,” Vickerman said.

“Last time we got him at a point where he was still mending his body, he hadn’t played for a little bit when he’d gone through a period of concussions.

“Even talking to him, he’s saying ‘I’m guarding (De’Aaron) Fox at practice, I feel like I’m locking up one of the best. I’m defending well against one of the best scorers in the league.’

“After Round 7, (he had) the most made threes at the highest percentage in the league… we saw once he got going what he was capable of and that sent him back to the NBA, so this time we still get a guy that’s got that super hunger, still going to scrap and dive on the floor and do all those things defensively, but I think we probably get an even more rounded offensive player this time.”

From Round 7 through to the end of the regular season, no player connected on as many threes per game (2.2) at a better percentage (43%) than Dellavedova.

Delly’s return is sure to excite fans, who have already begun securing the best seats at John Cain Arena for every home game next season by becoming members.

NBL24 Memberships are ON SALE NOW. As well as saving up to 40% on the price of walk-up tickets, members will receive exclusive merch discounts, access to Melbourne United Super Clinics, priority access to John Cain Arena for home games, access to member functions, post-game meet and greets and much more.