5. Postseason Experience
Perhaps the most alluring aspect of Matthew Dellavedova’s game is the postseason experience he’s acquired at 25 years of age. He’s made consecutive appearances in the NBA Finals, and played a prominent role on both occasions.
Dellavedova’s been limited offensively in those appearances, but he’s earned quite the reputation on the opposite end.
Dellavedova has been tasked with defending two-time NBA MVP Stephen Curry. He embraced that task by containing Curry during the 2015 NBA Finals, and has done something of the same in 2016.
Dellavedova clearly hasn’t done it by himself, but his physicality and persistence has been crucial.
It’s admittedly concerning that Dellavedova has a career postseason slash line of .346/.299/.778. His defensive intensity has been downright sensational, however, and that’s something worth looking into.
Dellavedova is far from a perfect player, but if any coach can maximize his offensive capabilities, it’s Jeff Hornacek. If anyone can properly value his postseason experience, it’s Phil Jackson.
Next: Range