Matthew Dellavedova starring at Rio Olympics, in perfect smackdown to ongoing jibes about NBA standing

IN the NBA, he’s known as the Aussie scrapper who has to play dirty to make a living. But fresh off a $39 million contract, Matthew Dellavedova has delivered a perfect serve.

A WELL-intentioned but somewhat-condescending remark aimed at Matthew Dellavedova during the NBA Finals summed up the stigma that’s followed one of Australia’s most successful basketball exports throughout his career.

“We have got guys who have to get a little dirty and physical to make a life to feed their family,” Golden State Warriors star Andre Iguodala said in reference to Dellavedova following their infamous “low blow” incident in Game 1.

Iguodala might have been trying to defend his rival but the comments reflected a wider sentiment among peers and fans – that Dellavedova is a player batting above his average, a guy getting by mainly on guts and determination, rather than talent. His ‘cult hero’ status and the fact he’s often the butt of social media jokes only add to that feeling.

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Lithuanian guard Mantas Kalnietis (L) defends Matthew Dellavedova.

NO JOKE

There’s no doubt playing and working hard has helped make Dellavedova what he is today - an NBA champion and Australia’s highest-paid basketball player, having just signed with the Milwaukee Bucks on a $39 million contract.

But if doubters needed a reminder of his legitimate talent and effectiveness at the highest level – the Rio Olympics has provided it.

Dellavedova’s performances in Rio are no joke. At the semi-finals stage, he’s looking a legitimate contender for tournament MVP.

The trademark hustle and energy has been there but so too has leadership, vision, astonishing passing, shooting - and the numbers to back it up.

Dellavedova leads the tournament in assists, averaging 7.7 per game. He’s also averaging double-figure points and is one of only five players with two double-doubles .

The Milwaukee Bucks-bound guard is also third in three-point shooting accuracy, behind only Kevin Durant and Pau Gasol.

Not bad for a bloke doing what he has to do to feed his family.

Matthew Dellavedova has had a superb Rio 2016 Olympics. Picture: Alex Coppel.

‘THERE’S NO ONE LIKE HIM’

While Dellavedova’s performances in Rio might have surprised outsiders, those within the Australian set-up are not at all surprised.

“We’ve always known he’s the real deal,” three-time NBA champion and Boomers assistant coach Luc Longley said.

“There’s no one like Delly I’ve ever been around.

“That guy prepares and cares more than anyone I’ve ever seen and it shows on every possession. That’s how he is.”

Just ask Dellavedova’s teammates about his raw talent.

“He’s one of the most talented players I’ve played alongside,” Damian Martin said.

“He’s got the highest basketball IQ of anyone I’ve ever met. He‘s been fantastic to play alongside.

“To see him as a 19-year-old trying to break into the side to now, when he’s a legitimate NBA player and a superstar on the international stage … he’s having a fantastic tournament.”

Andrew Bogut added of Dellavedova: “He doesn’t get a lot of credit for his scoring but he can shoot the ball really well.

“He’s very aggressive for us, putting pressure on the defence with the way he passes the ball. He’s playing really well.”

Matthew Dellavedova shoots in the Australia v Lithuania quarter-final.

EYES ON THE PRIZE

Dellavedova has been among the Boomers’ least chatty players in post-match media during the tournament Rio. Without coming across as rude, he’s seemed short, in a hurry and uncomfortable talking about his own form.

He seems to have little time for small talk and hypotheticals, especially when there’s still a job to be done and a much higher goal. Questions about a leg injury he was carrying during the quarter-final win over Lithuania were met simply with: “I’ll be fine.”

Dellavedova has never sought out the spotlight but it’s inevitably found him. In Rio, it’s shining brighter than ever.

Originally published as Matthew Dellavedova starring at Rio Olympics, in perfect smackdown to ongoing jibes about NBA standing