The Cleveland Cavaliers are loving new teammate Matthew Dellavedova.
In a recent interview, one of the team’s veterans, Jordan Clarkson, praised Dellavedova about how smart he is on the floor:
When I asked Jordan Clarkson about his first experience playing with Matthew Dellavedova, he used the word "smart" multiple times.
Compared his style to the players he teamed up with in the Asian Games this summer. #Cavs pic.twitter.com/CZOQwYPXHB
— Spencer Davies (@SpinDavies) December 13, 2018
“He’s smart, really smart,” Clarkson said. “He’s getting to his spot, making open threes, pushing the ball, gets out there early, lets me push in transition, makes plays as well.”
Dellavedova, 28, has only played in two games with the Cavs since being traded by the Milwaukee Bucks last week. Yet, the shift from Milwaukee to Cleveland has led to a night and day transformation for the six-year pro. The guard was averaging a career-low 1.7 points with the Bucks. However, in his two contests with the Cavs, Dellavedova has posted a career-high 13.0 points and 3.0 rebounds per game.
While the sample size is small, Clarkson is already loving his time with Dellavedova.
“It’s definitely amazing playing with him,” Clarkson said. “Smart, smart player. Definitely great to have him around him, especially defensively too.”
Although Dellavedova doesn’t have the talent to single-handedly take the Cavs to the playoffs, the aggressive Australian is bringing out the best in his teammates. With intelligent play and veteran leadership, Dellavedova can increase the Cavs’ professionalism on the floor.
The 2016 NBA champion and the Cavs take on the Bucks Friday night in Cleveland.
