Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Matthew Dellavedova

How Matthew Dellavedova built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Matthew Dellavedova is an Australian professional basketball player currently with Melbourne United in the NBL. He previously played college basketball at Saint Mary's College. His career highlight includes winning an NBA championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016. Dellavedova also represented Australia in international competitions, earning a bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2001: Focus on Basketball

In 2001, Matthew Dellavedova ended his Australian rules football career to focus solely on basketball.

2007: Played for AIS in SEABL

In 2007, Matthew Dellavedova played for the AIS in the South East Australian Basketball League (SEABL).

2008: Averaged 15.2 points for AIS in SEABL

In 2008, Matthew Dellavedova averaged 15.2 points for the AIS in the South East Australian Basketball League (SEABL).

2009: Averaged 10.9 points for AIS in SEABL

In 2009, Matthew Dellavedova averaged 10.9 points for the AIS in the South East Australian Basketball League (SEABL).

2009: Competed at FIBA U-19 World Championship

In 2009, Matthew Dellavedova competed for the Australian junior national team at the FIBA Under-19 World Championship and was named in the Australian senior national team.

2009: Signed with Saint Mary's College

In 2009, Matthew Dellavedova was recruited by Randy Bennett and signed with the Saint Mary's College of California Gaels.

2010: Reached Sweet Sixteen

In 2010, Matthew Dellavedova and the Saint Mary's Gaels reached the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA men's basketball tournament after upsetting Villanova.

2012: London Olympics

In 2012, Matthew Dellavedova competed for the Boomers at the London Olympics.

January 2013: Scores Game-Winning Buzzer-Beater

On January 16, 2013, Matthew Dellavedova scored 18 points, including a game-winning three-point buzzer-beater, in a 70–69 victory over the BYU Cougars. The forty-foot shot soon became known as the "Dellavedagger."

September 2013: Signed with Cleveland Cavaliers

On September 12, 2013, Matthew Dellavedova signed a two-year, $1.3 million contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

2013: Graduated from Saint Mary's

In 2013, Matthew Dellavedova graduated from Saint Mary's with a degree in psychology and finished his college career as Saint Mary's all-time leader in multiple categories.

March 2014: Career-High 21 Points

On March 26, 2014, Matthew Dellavedova scored a career-high 21 points in a 97–96 win over the Detroit Pistons.

July 2014: Re-joined Cavaliers for Summer League

In July 2014, Matthew Dellavedova re-joined the Cleveland Cavaliers for the NBA Summer League.

2014: World Cup in Spain

In 2014, Matthew Dellavedova competed for the Boomers at the World Cup in Spain.

February 2015: Participated in Rising Stars Challenge

In February 2015, Matthew Dellavedova participated in the Rising Stars Challenge as part of the NBA All-Star weekend.

March 2015: Escorted Jackie Custer to Prom

On March 28, 2015, Matthew Dellavedova escorted Jackie Custer, a 17-year-old cancer patient, to Akron Children's Hospital's "A Prom to Remember" event.

July 2015: Re-signed with Cavaliers

On July 27, 2015, Matthew Dellavedova re-signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

November 2015: Career-High Assists

In November 2015, Matthew Dellavedova recorded a then career-high 13 assists in a 115–100 win over the Milwaukee Bucks.

2015: Cavaliers Advance to NBA Finals

In 2015, Matthew Dellavedova helped the Cavaliers advance to the NBA finals and faced criticism and support for his aggressive playing style.

July 2016: Acquired by Milwaukee Bucks

On July 7, 2016, Matthew Dellavedova was acquired by the Milwaukee Bucks in a sign-and-trade deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

October 2016: Bucks Debut

On October 26, 2016, Matthew Dellavedova made his debut for the Bucks, scoring 11 points.

December 2016: Season-High Points

In December 2016, Matthew Dellavedova scored 12 of his season-high 18 points in the fourth quarter of the Bucks' 112–103 win over the Brooklyn Nets.

2016: Rio Olympics

In 2016, Matthew Dellavedova competed for the Boomers at the Rio Olympics.

2016: NBA Championship with Cavaliers

In 2016, Matthew Dellavedova won the NBA championship as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

2017: Averaged Career Highs

In the 2016-2017 season, Matthew Dellavedova averaged career highs in points (7.6) and assists (4.7) for the Milwaukee Bucks.

January 2018: Season-High Assists

On January 1, 2018, Matthew Dellavedova had a season-high 10 assists in a 131–127 overtime loss to the Toronto Raptors.

December 2018: Acquired by Cleveland Cavaliers

On December 7, 2018, Matthew Dellavedova was acquired by the Cleveland Cavaliers in a three-team trade. He received an ovation in his return game in Milwaukee three days later.

2019: World Cup in China

In 2019, Matthew Dellavedova competed for the Boomers at the World Cup in China.

March 2020: Career-High Assists

On March 7, 2020, Matthew Dellavedova recorded a career-high 14 assists in a 104–102 win over the Denver Nuggets.

November 2020: Re-signed with the Cavaliers

On November 25, 2020, Matthew Dellavedova re-signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

2020: Tokyo Olympics

In 2020, Matthew Dellavedova helped Australia win bronze at the Tokyo Olympics.

July 2021: Signed with Melbourne United

On July 9, 2021, Matthew Dellavedova signed a three-year deal with Melbourne United of the Australian NBL.

January 2022: Career-High Points in NBL

On January 16, 2022, Matthew Dellavedova scored a career-high 33 points with seven 3-pointers and nine assists in an 88–84 win over the Illawarra Hawks while playing for Melbourne United.