The Cleveland Cavaliers will host a special celebration for 2016 NBA champion Matthew Dellavedova on December 12 against the Golden State Warriors. Fans in attendance will receive a commemorative bobblehead of the beloved Australian guard. This event is part of a series of nights honoring the franchise's historic title run, providing a bright spot as the team looks ahead.
Matthew Dellavedova earned his place in Cavaliers lore through relentless effort. An undrafted player, he became a fan favorite across two separate stints with the team. His most famous moment came during the 2015 NBA Finals. With Kyrie Irving injured, Dellavedova started at point guard and famously defended Stephen Curry with exhausting physicality. He played 40 minutes a night in just his second season, an effort so intense he was hospitalized for dehydration after Game 3. That grit set the stage for the championship run a year later.
The December 12 game against the Warriors is the designated "Delly" night. Every fan in the building will get a Matthew Dellavedova bobblehead. The team plans more events throughout the season to mark the 10-year anniversary of the 2016 title. Dellavedova, who remains a professional player overseas, is expected to be recognized in-arena. The Cavaliers have previously involved him in playoff traditions, like pulling the sword before games to ignite the crowd.
Dellavedova's impact went beyond the box score. He was a mentor to younger guards and embodied a hard-nosed playing style that resonated deeply with the city. Even with a reduced role during the 2016 playoff run, his earlier contributions were vital. He provided toughness and savvy in limited minutes off the bench. The bobblehead night is a fitting tribute to a player whose work ethic and sacrifice helped deliver Cleveland's first major sports championship in decades.
Honoring past champions serves as a reminder of the culture the organization wants to uphold. The current Cavaliers are in an offseason period of evaluation following a difficult playoff series. Celebrating a player like Dellavedova reinforces the values of resilience and team-first play that are needed to build a new contender. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming schedule on our schedule page as they prepare for the new season.
