Last Wednesday marked a memorable night at Cleveland’s Rocket Arena as the Cavaliers introduced three new players to the home crowd. Among James Harden, Dennis Schroder, and Keon Ellis, it was Ellis’ debut that carried a special significance, bolstered by a message from a former Cleveland champion. Ellis, recently traded to the Cavaliers, received a welcome text from Matthew Dellavedova, a fan favorite who played a key role during Cleveland’s championship run.
Matthew Dellavedova’s Encouragement Shapes Ellis’ Arrival
Ellis recalled the moment Dellavedova reached out upon hearing the trade news.
“Matthew, he was my teammate when I was in Sacramento,”
Ellis explained after Cleveland’s decisive 138-113 victory over the Washington Wizards. He continued,
“He texted me when I got traded. He was like, ‘Yeah, you’ll love it. Definitely a sports city.’ So yeah, definitely was good energy in there tonight, for sure.”
This connection helped Ellis feel at home in a city celebrated for its passionate sports culture.
Dellavedova’s Legacy in Cleveland and His Journey
Known locally as “Delly,” Matthew Dellavedova made his mark in Cleveland during two separate periods. His gritty, relentless style endeared him to Northeast Ohio fans, especially during the 2016 NBA Finals. That year, he was part of the Cavaliers team that overcame a 3-1 deficit to defeat the Golden State Warriors. After his initial tenure from 2013 to 2016, Dellavedova moved on to the Milwaukee Bucks for two and a half seasons. The Cavaliers, seeking veteran leadership, reacquired him in December 2018, where he remained until 2021 before returning to Australia to play for Melbourne United.
Shared Sacramento Roots Connect Ellis and Dellavedova
Following his time in Melbourne, Dellavedova made a final NBA attempt with the Sacramento Kings, where he first met rookie Keon Ellis during the 2022-23 season. Both players share the experience of being undrafted, having had to persevere through less traditional paths to secure NBA careers. Ellis played two years of junior college basketball at Florida SouthWestern before transferring to Alabama, where he impressed as a senior but went undrafted in 2022.
The Kings signed Ellis on a two-way contract initially, later converting it to a standard deal in February 2024, marking his progression as a professional in his second season. Reflecting on his journey, Ellis told ClutchPoints,
“I literally took just about every path to not make it. So yeah, crazy that I ended up here. That’s the only word I could really think of, so definitely blessed.”
Ellis’ Team-First Mindset and Style Echoes Cleveland’s Heritage
Ellis’ dedication to winning and selflessness closely mirror the values instilled in him during college under coach Nate Oats. He shared,
“I just want to win. Like, everything else doesn’t really matter to me. As long as we get the win, that’s all that matters. When I was in college, our coach, Nate Oats, used to say, ‘When the tide rises, all the boats rise.’ So I think that message has just stuck. When the team wins, everyone wins. So, I just try to go out there and make winning plays. I would say that’s what drives me.”
The qualities Ellis brings to the Cavaliers—tenacious defense and relentless effort—closely align with the traits that endeared Dellavedova to fans years ago. Cleveland supporters looking for a hardworking presence on the court have found a good fit in Ellis.
Ongoing Bond Between Ellis and Dellavedova Bridges Continents
Despite now being thousands of miles apart, Ellis and Dellavedova maintain a friendship rooted in their Sacramento days. While Dellavedova continues his career with the Sydney Kings in Australia’s National Basketball League, Ellis embarks on the next chapter of his NBA journey in Cleveland, the city that transformed Dellavedova into a local legend. This connection encapsulates how intertwined the basketball world is, even across different leagues and continents.
Ellis’ Cleveland debut not only adds depth to the Cavaliers’ roster but also symbolizes the enduring influence of past champions on new generations. His journey, fueled by support from a respected veteran, sets an inspiring tone for his role with Cleveland as the season progresses.
