Aussies in NBA: Matthew Dellavedova pulling Bucks to sign fellow Aussie

The Milwaukee Bucks already have two Australians on their roster, but point guard Matthew Dellavedova feels like they could do with one more.

During an earlier event with the Collingwood Football Club at the Olympic Park, Dellavedova confirmed he is convincing his team to sign fellow Australian, Ryan Broekhoff.

Ryan Broekhoff | Credit: Lokomotiv Kuban Press Service

Broekhoff played for Russian club Lokomotiv Kuban this past season, showcasing his elite three-point shooting skills. Dellavedova believes Broekhoff has enough talent to play at the highest level, and the 2016 NBA champion is doing all he can to get his Aussie mate to America.

“I think it is great for Australian basketball, and it should help more NBA teams to look at more Aussie guys who I believe should be in the league, like Ryan Broekhoff,” Dellavedova said on the current Australian basketball climate.

“I definitely think [Broekhoff] is an NBA player and I’m trying to get him to Milwaukee because I think shooting in the NBA is so valuable and he is an elite shooter. The Bucks definitely know who Broekhoff is, so we will see what happens.

“I’m trying to get him over there, it will be really fun.”

Broekhoff is currently out of contract and no decision has been made on his future. The 26-year-old Melbourne native averaged 7.7 points across all European leagues this past season, shooting a hair under 40 percent from three-point range, and has drawn NBA interest with his strong performance in Europe.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow9TyPetVVU

In 2015, Broekhoff played for the Denver Nuggets in the NBA Summer League, but that stint did not eventuate into a contract.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqNeqKKBGII

The 2012 Horizon League Player of the Year also represented Australia at the 2016 Rio Olympics Games, averaging 7.6 points and 2.9 rebounds per game as an Australian Boomer.

Throughout his four year NBA career, Dellavedova has played with an Australian just once, teaming with Thon Maker in Milwaukee. He also played with Melbourne-born Kyrie Irving in Cleveland.