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John Beilein Heaps Heavy Praise on Matthew Dellavedova: ‘Like Having a Coach on the Floor’

Matthew Dellavedova and Mike Conley

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Matthew Dellavedova is currently on his second tour of duty with the team and remains a fan favorite because of his gritty, competitive approach to the game.

Yet, new Cavs head coach John Beilein is a big fan of Dellavedova because of the leadership he brings to the team.

The 29-year-old Dellavedova’s all-out style is one reason that the one-time undrafted free agent has managed to stay in the NBA for what’s now his seventh season.

During Dellavedova’s time in the NBA, his offensive contributions have been modest, but his ability to handle the ball and offer aggressive defense have been highly valued. That was evident during his first three seasons with the Cavaliers from 2013 to 2016.

After the Cavs won the NBA title in 2016, Dellavedova left to sign a deal with his former team, the Milwaukee Bucks. Last December, the Bucks traded Dellavedova back to the Cavaliers.

Dellavedova’s leadership offers both Beilein and the Cavs plenty of value with the team now in the midst of a major rebuilding project. That’s especially true given the fact that the Cavaliers have three rookie guards, as well as second-year man Collin Sexton, who can learn from the Australian native.

Exactly how long Beilein has Dellavedova as his coach on the floor is unknown, since Dellavedova will once again be a free agent at the end of the 2019-20 season. There have been rumors about the Cavaliers trading the veteran before the February deadline, and if that occurs, Beilein will need to fill the leadership hole left by his absence.

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