How Dellavedova's Kings era came to be

The Matthew Dellavedova Sydney Kings era is officially underway, with the club unveiling their marquee signing in front of the Harbour Bridge on Thursday morning.

The highly sought-after free agent narrowed his decision down to four teams before the three-time Olympian chose his new home.

“Being around Delly like I have at those two Olympics, I knew as soon as the season finished ... that’s the target,” head coach Brian Goorjian said.

“He’s the one guy in free agency that could change us on and off the court, so I couldn’t be more excited.”

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Dellavedova travelled across the country to meet with each team in their respective cities, but it seems a private dinner at his home in Melbourne was the moment that sealed the deal for Goorjian.

“Goorj came over to our place in Melbourne, and we spent a couple of hours just talking basketball, going through the team, and really starting that process of making sure we were completely aligned,” Dellavedova said.

Goorjian, experienced in high-pressure situations, recognised the importance of being prepared.

“When you’re around Delly and you go to that meeting, you better be ready,” he said.

“If you're flying in, make it the night before, not the morning of. He’s going to work out before anything else happens.

“All of those dynamics are exciting.”

New Kings assistant coach Andrew Bogut shared insights about the pivotal dinner during a chat with basketball.com.au.

“Well, first and foremost, it was about answering a lot of questions from Delly, because he's diligent,” Bogut said.

“He had more questions than the teams did, to be quite honest. That’s how he operates. He wants to understand everything.

“That’s what’s admirable about him. He’s super-detailed, highly motivated, driven, and he wants to win.”

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The existing relationship between Bogut and Dellavedova from their time with the Boomers added a layer no other team could offer.

“He’s a guy that plays to exhaustion. The rumours about him throwing up during games—I've played with him, and it’s true,” Bogut said.

“When he’s on the floor, it’s 110 per cent. He doesn’t know any other way.”

Four of Australia’s basketball greats—Dellavedova, Bogut, Goorjian, and Luke Longley—sat around a dinner table to discuss and shape the future.

While we may not know what was served that night, it’s clear the real dish was a recipe for success.