History Repeating as United Builds

Despite the recent links to high-profile import wing Armoni Brooks, it looks likely that if Melbourne United are to win the NBL24 title this season, they'll do so off the back of their local talent.

Matthew Dellavedova has been added to a glut of local talent set to call Melbourne home in NBL24. He’s joined Jo Lual-Acuil Jr in re-signing for the club, while proven stars like Chris Goulding and Shea Ili remain.

In addition, emerging talent Luke Travers will likely hold down the power forward spot for the side, while collegiate talents Flynn Cameron and Kyle Bowen represent the future of the franchise.

A reliance on import talent is by no means rare in the NBL. After all, half of the club MVPs from NBL23 came from distant shores.

With Melbourne’s acquisition of such high-profile local talent, ESPN Insider Olgun Uluc believes United is setting up for a repeat of their NBL22 campaign.

“The last time we saw something close to this was that Melbourne United side two years ago that had Matthew Dellavedova as its point guard,” Uluc said on The Marketplace.

“That was a team that had Jack White, Jo Lual-Acuil Jr, Chris Goulding, Matthew Dellavedova. It had Caleb Agada off the bench.

“This is a really similar team, except you sub Luke Travers in for Jack White, and it will probably be a higher-level import coming off the bench.

“As much as you don’t have the import talent which a lot of teams rely on, that team from two seasons ago was the best defensive team in the league.

“It was a team that had a lot of talent.”

United ended the regular season on top of the standings in NBL22, but were ultimately knocked out of the Finals by Scott Roth and a resurgent Tasmanian team. Could things be different in NBL24? 

Dellavedova’s commitment to the project at Melbourne United has seen him sign a two-year deal.

Although he was initially released from the remainder of a three-year contract to link up with the Sacramento Kings, Uluc believes the signing of a mult-year contract showcases the guard’s commitment to the NBL.

“The big part of this is it’s a two-year deal,” Uluc said. “Initially he had signed a three-year deal and now he’s back on a two-year deal. This doesn’t feel like a ‘one and done’.

“It feels like he’s here for that long haul for those two years. 

“Everyone had an inkling this was happening and as soon as the Sacramento Kings were ousted form the NBA Playoffs, we knew the first call Dean Vickerman was going to make was to Matthew Dellavedova.”