Australian basketball is not a phrase you hear very often. Somehow, it has been a relevant one for two Junes in a row in the NBA, with both the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers — set to run back their 2015 Finals matchup, beginning Thursday night — boasting players from the outback. Cavaliers’ point guard Matthew Dellavedova made a name for himself last postseason with his physical, relentless defense against Steph Curry and other league superstars.
Widely reviled for his playing style, which many consider dirty, Dellavedova solidified himself in the Cavs’ rotation this season, showing added offensive touch and playing well enough to justify a reputation beyond that of rabble rouser. He is now, in fact, getting his own shoe deal. Spurning his contract with Nike — who knew he had one? — for an agreement with Chinese company Peak, the man they unfortunately call “Delly” is lauching the “Delly 1” on July 1, according to Bleacher Report.
One can only imagine how these sneakers will be branded, but an appeal to the blue-collar ethos Dellavedova wielded on his way to fame in last year’s Finals seems likely. Perhaps we will witness slow-motion dramatizations of questionable leg bars in commercials for the shoes, set to heroic orchestral music. Plus dives into opposing players’ knees, and his signature piggyback method on free-throw rebounding opportunities:
