Milwaukee Bucks 2017-18 Season Review: Matthew Dellavedova

The best of Dellavedova

The NBA is a league that’s jam-packed with clichés, but when it comes to Matthew Dellavedova, they’re all true.

Much of what Dellavedova does best genuinely doesn’t show up in the box score. Dellavedova’s screens have long been a source of contentious discussion, but there’s no disputing he possesses an ability to hold off bigger men and free up teammates that’s highly unusual among NBA guards.

While Dellavedova’s high octane, all-hustle brand of play can come with its ups and downs, what it does is set a standard within a locker room for a level of desire, intensity and competitive drive.

In that regard, Dellavedova almost always seems to be the first name mentioned by Bucks players when they’re quizzed about the teammates who stand out as leaders within the locker room. Whether on the floor or on the bench, Dellavedova is vocal and demonstrative and behind the scenes there’s every reason to believe he’s no different.

In a more tangible basketball sense, Dellavedova’s presence on the court doesn’t offer the Bucks a dynamic point guard option, but it does provide a steady presence.

The 27-year-old has generally excelled throughout his career when it comes to efficient playmaking and this year was no different. Of players who spent the entire season with the Bucks, Dellavedova posted a team-high assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.96.

Dellavedova’s insertion into a game may not always have led to an increase in excitement, but he’s one of the few players who could guarantee the Bucks an extra element of control when the situation called for it.