Expected to be one of the most important free agent acquisitions made by the Milwaukee Bucks last summer, how did Matthew Dellavedova fare in his first season in the Cream City?
Having played a major role in the Cleveland Cavaliers’ title success in 2016 as an off ball point guard complement to LeBron James, it wasn’t hard to understand why the Milwaukee Bucks identified Matthew Dellavedova as a solid fit to pair alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo.
With the Greek Freak having finished the 2015-16 season with a burst of exceptional play in a point forward role, and Dellavedova coming off the back of his second straight season shooting better than 40 percent from deep, there was reason for Bucks fans to be excited about how their new signing would mesh with the team’s existing core.
Unfortunately, the Bucks didn’t have Antetokounmpo initiate at anywhere close to the same rate in 2016-17, and Dellavedova struggled with his shot. The result has been Dellavedova’s fit looking much less seamless than it once did.
More from Bucks News
- Bucks 2023-24 player profile: Can MarJon Beauchamp take a leap?
- Piecing together the Milwaukee Bucks’ dream starting 5 in 5 years
- Predicting Thanasis Antetokounmpo’s 2023-24 stats for the Bucks
- Grade the trade: Bucks land reputable backup guard in swap with Pacers
- New workout video should have Milwaukee Bucks fans excited
Although there are a number of ways in which the Bucks didn’t exactly set Dellavedova up to perform to his best in his first season with the team, there’s a lot the player himself will have to adjust and ponder heading into the offseason.
In other less tangible ways, Dellavedova outperformed many expectations. Within the locker room at least the soundbites suggest he’s highly valued as a teammate.
It wasn’t the perfect start to the Australian’s time in Milwaukee, but there’s still reason to hope the 26-year-old can turn things around.
Let’s dig a little deeper to get the whole picture of Matthew Dellavedova’s 2016-17 season.
Next: The Good