Delly's strong warning to rivals

He already claimed an All-NBL Second Team spot in his one season in the league, but Matthew Dellavedova has a warning for opposition teams – he’s feeling as strong as ever.

Dellavedova averaged 10.6 points, 3.1 rebounds and 4.5 assists across NBL22, and after an NBA stint with the Sacramento Kings last year, is back to help in Melbourne’s bid for a Championship.

“I can get to the rim a bit more, I can get into the lane, my legs feel a lot stronger,” he told the Extra Pass podcast. 

“Just having played more consistent basketball over the last two years versus coming in (compared to NBL 22) ... I’m excited to get going and get the season started.”

United missed the Finals altogether last season, but with a star-studded roster at their disposal, are sure to be back in contention in NBL24. 

“We’ve got a great mix of young hungry guys coming in and veterans that know how to play and have tasted a lot of success,” Dellavedova said. 

“Dean (Vickerman) and the club recruit great people and that’s part of why I had so much fun here two years ago and it’s why I think Melbourne United’s been so successful for such a long period of time.”

Among Melbourne’s recruits, emerging star Luke Travers, who’s made the move from Perth, Ian Clark, who dominated with 19 last quarter points in a pre-season game on Saturday night, and Tall Black Flynn Cameron. 

Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. will also return sooner than expected from a serious wrist injury, with the towering center expected to be available in the first half of the season. 

According to new assistant coach David Barlow, United boasts an enviable rotation. 

“We have a roster full of talented and versatile players and I think we have virtually a whole roster of guys that are capable of starting, and who starts on any given night I’m not 100 per cent certain,” he said on SEN. 

“I think it could change from game-to-game to be honest. Depending on health, on scout matchups, performance potentially, but you could say there’s a world where Shea (Ili) and ‘Delly’ (Matthew Dellavedova) both start along with ‘CG’ (Chris Goulding) on the perimeter and (Luke) Travers at the four and Ariel (Hukporti) at the five.

“Ian Clark is obviously a gifted player, he can play the one and the two, so there’s surely a world where he starts as well.”

United tips off its season against the South East Melbourne Phoenix on September 28 at John Cain Arena.