Cleveland Cavaliers Re-sign Matthew Dellavedova to One-Year Deal

Photo Credit: Bob Donnan - USA Today

Photo Credit: Bob Donnan – USA Today

Following a trend to keep the team untouched, the Cleveland Cavaliers have re-signed Matthew Dellavedova to a one-year, $1.2 million dollar deal. The backup to Kyrie Irving saw plenty of action in the Eastern Conference and NBA finals, as the unheralded Australian proved to be a reliable defender and point guard.

The Cavaliers certainly had the story of a legendary championship behind them. Had they gone on to beat Golden State, Dellavedova would been an integral part of it. Stephan Curry was knocked off his usual three-point perch by Dellavedova in game two at Golden State, helping LeBron James and company win an unexpected away game. Dellavedova became a fan favorite for his gritty defense on the league MVP.

Dellavedova averaged 4.8 points and three assists in just 20.8 minutes per game in 2015, shooting 40.7 percent three. It is reported that he wanted the contract done in time for him to play for Australia in the FIBA Oceania Championship next month. The 25-year-old has a lot upside with his ball handling and defensive skills.

Dellavedova will have to compete for his backup role with Mo Williams, who was also signed this offseason. He will likely win the backup job, pushing Williams to fight for time at shooting guard. No one can fault the Cavs looking for depth as a lack of fresh legs in a depleted bench were a major factor in the NBA Finals loss to Golden State.

The Cavaliers can be credited with not fixing what clearly isn’t broken. LeBron James, Kevin Love, Iman Shumpert, and James Jones have all resigned. The up-and-coming big man, Tristan Thompson, and the veteran J.R. Smith are in talks with the franchise to re-up as well. With all of those pieces in place, the hope for fans in the city with one of the longest droughts of a professional team championship, have another shot at an NBA Championship.

If the LeBron and company can follow the path set in Miami, Cleveland fans have a right to be hopeful. Having had a year to gel as a unit, the expectations are clearly to bring it home in 2016.