Landale Backs Delly for NBA return

Talk around Matthew Dellavedova and a possible return to the NBA has been gaining traction in recent days, and the Melbourne United guard now has a ringing endorsement from one of his closest allies.  

Fellow Australian and now Phoenix Suns centre Jock Landale says the 31-year-old, who already boasts close to 450 games of NBA experience, would be the perfect addition to any team. 

“I played with him (Dellavedova) a bunch during that six-week period leading up to here – we were back at St Mary’s working out together,” Landale told NBL Analyst Liam Santamaria from the Summer League in Las Vegas. 

“I’m not sure I’ve seen him look better than he has in those six weeks – his shot was looking great, he was healthy … he looked sharp and I’m really happy for him.”

Dellavedova was a member of the All-NBL Second Team in his first season at Melbourne United, playing a big role in their path to the Semi Finals. 

According to ESPN, the veteran Boomer has been working out with the Sacramento Kings. 

“He (Dellavedova) said that the workouts had been going well and he brings a level of maturity and that kind of pedigree to any team he’s on,” Landale added.

“Hopefully he gets that gig … that guy’s as tough as they come.

“He does all the little things right – he leads guys even when they don’t want to be led – he’s a special character and he’s really honed that craft throughout his career.

“I’m happy to see him doing what he’s doing right now. He put together a good year in Australia and he’s on an upward trajectory again. He’s going to put himself in a really good spot this year.”

Aron Baynes’ return to workouts has been another big story to come out of the Summer League over the last week, with the big man on the comeback trail from a spinal cord injury.

“I’m so happy for Baynes,” Landale said. 

“He’s in good spirits and I know he wasn’t in good spirits for a while the way things were going. Knowing him it would have been tough sitting around the house just rehabbing.

“The guy loves to play basketball. He wants to be out on the court competing with the best of them. 

“You felt that fire when we all caught up last night. He was talking that talk and saying he wants to get out there.”

Baynes last played competitively at the Tokyo Olympics, almost 12 months ago. 

“To see him (Baynes) moving the way he was … I’ve seen a few clips here and there and haven’t seen him in person the way I’d like to, but to see those clips and the way he’s evolved from not being able to get out of bed or was laying on the ground essentially … it’s pretty moving stuff. That’s a story,” Landale added. 

“I’m just happy that the guy can play with his kids, now he’s got that added benefit of being able to hopefully get back in the NBA.”