Kings sign Dellavedova in huge free agency splash

The Sydney Kings have made the biggest signing of the NBL26 free agency to date by agreeing to a multi-year deal with four-time Olympian Matthew Dellavedova.

The Maryborough-born guard, who has 531 NBA games, including 52 playoff games to his name, will join the Hoops Capital club on a three-year deal.

The 34-year-old is the club's first addition of the free agency, joining the returning Xavier Cooks, Bul Kuol, Kouat Noi, Jaylin Galloway, Keli Leaupepe, Tyler Robertson, Shaun Bruce, Jason Spurgin and Klairus Amir.

"After going through the process and talking basketball with the likes of Goorj [Brian Goorjian], Luc [Longley] and Bogues [Andrew Bogut], all of whom I have a great respect for and have gone into battle with during our experiences with the Boomers, we already have that deep connection and it just felt like Sydney was the right fit for this stage of my career," said Dellavedova, who won a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympic Games alongside Goorjian.

"There's a lot of trust there with that group, as well as someone like Chris [Pongrass], as I want to continue to elevate my game and help Sydney be in contention to win more championships, while also putting myself in the best position to achieve my goals of representing Australia at both the World Cup and 2028 Olympics.

"[Further to that] being able to work with all those guys, as well as Xavier [Cooks], who I've always had a good relationship with on and off the court, is going to be exciting and I can't wait to get started."

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Dellavedova came through the Victorian Country junior ranks, lining up for both the Maryborough Blazers and Bendigo Braves, before going on to represent his state on numerous occasions.

Three years at the Australian Institute followed before Dellavedova joined US college side St Mary's on a scholarship.

During his decorated career with the Gaels, the 193cm guard finished as Saint Mary's all-time leader in scoring, assists, games played, free throw percentage, and three-point shots - while also guiding his school to the NCAA Sweet 16 in 2010.

This led to him being a two-time AP (Associated Press) honourable mention All-American (2012 and 2013), the 2012 WCC (West Coast Conference) Men's Basketball Player of the Year and a three-time First-Team All-WCC member (2011-13) - leading to the college retiring his number four jersey on February 15, 2014 (the second player to do so).

This led to Dellavedova joining the Cleveland Cavaliers for the 2013 NBA Summer League, where he impressed so much that on September 12, 2013, he signed a two-year contract with the club.

Dellavedova went on to play three seasons with the Cavaliers, playing a key role in their 2015-16 NBA championship alongside LeBron James.

Three years with the Milwaukee Bucks ensued before eventually being traded back to Cleveland during the 2018-19 campaign.

Following the 2020-21 season, Dellavedova penned a deal with Melbourne United, where he spent one season, before returning to the NBA with the Sacramento Kings for the 2022-23 campaign.

A return to United in the NBL followed, where he guided Melbourne to back-to-back Championship Series - claiming an All-NBL Second Team and Larry Stenstock Medal for Grand Finals MVP along the way. 

With this incredible resume to his name, Dellavedova knows he can be a huge asset in helping Sydney’s quest for a sixth NBL title.

"Looking at the roster in Sydney, Xavier is obviously a big part of everything they do, especially on the defensive end with the versatility he and players like Bul [Kuol], [Jaylin] Galloway and [Keli] Leaupepe have, which I feel like I can complement and help take to another level," said Dellavedova, who knows Goorjian-coached sides pride themselves on the defensive end of the court.

“Then on the other end, players like [Kouat] Noi had an unbelievable season shooting the ball, and I know I can help put him and the other offensive weapons we have in better positions to excel through different actions.

“A big part of all that will be getting to know each of my teammates, finding out what their goals are and what they want to achieve and making a plan of how we’re going to accomplish them.

“I’m happy to share my knowledge, habits and experiences with my teammates, while being a leader on and off the court - because I know how important it is for everyone to be on the same page

“It’s going to be a fun and exciting next chapter for me, and being the competitor I am, I’ll do everything I can to make it a successful one.”

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Coach Goorjian is thrilled to re-unite with Dellavedova, after countless campaigns together with the Australian Boomers, saying the point guard’s leadership will be invaluable.

“It’s a huge statement signing for us, and everyone affiliated with the club is over the moon to welcome Delly to Sydney,” said six-time NBL championship-winning coach Goorjian, who believes Dellavedova's tenacity and hustle on both ends of the court is second to none.

“We identified, going into this off-season, that we needed help in that guard position, and the standout of the free agency group was Delly, so we did everything we could to get him to the club, and we’re excited to secure his amazing services for the next few seasons.

“He’s that guy who will make everyone else on the roster better, because it's not about him scoring rather generating easy baskets or doing whatever is required for us to succeed as a collective.

“I’ve been lucky enough to have worked with him with the national team and at two Olympics, and his basketball ability, his leadership and the way he sets an example for our young guys with how he goes about his business, is going to benefit the whole organisation and someone our fans will love.”

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