Australia
Veteran guard Matthew Dellavedova is not among the 13 players on the Australian national team that will travel to Melbourne for FIBA World Cup exhibition games, per EuroHoops.
In other words, Dellavedova likely will not be playing in the World Cup games later this month. In Australia, that’s big news, as Dellavedova has been a major part of the national team for more than a decade.
Dellavedova, who turns 33 next month, recently signed with the Melbourne United of Australia’s NBL. A longtime favorite while with the Cavaliers, he spent last season with coach Mike Brown and the Pacific Division-champion Kings.
Delly became known for sacrificing his body over and over again, and then some more, during his prime. It may have caught up with him at this stage of his career.
USA
Knicks guard Josh Hart landed a contract extension with the Knicks, reportedly four four years and $81 million, while training with Team USA in Spain, as relayed by Joe Vardon of The Athletic.
In other words, the deal was finalized electronically.
“It was actually pretty cool, I was just laying down on the training table, getting some treatment, on FaceTime with (wife Shannon) and signing the contract,” Hart said. “It meant a lot. I wasn’t highly touted coming out of high school, wasn’t highly regarded in the draft, went through free agency the first time and I was restricted, it was a terrible experience for me, so to be able to do this, it’s a dream come true — just being able to have something that can take care of my parents, my family, my kids.”
The Americans tip off World Cup play Aug. 26 vs. New Zealand.
- You can read more on the Americans and their exhibition win over Puerto Rico from our Brandon Santomauro right here.
Latvia
The Latvian national team shot down a report that new Celtics forward Kristaps Porzingis will miss the FIBA World Cup after reportedly suffering a foot injury.
Then again, a statement released by the team was fairly vague.
“There has been information that questions the participation of Kristaps Porzingis in the FIBA World Cup. LBS denies this information,” the English translation reads. “Both the players’ individual preparation plans and the team’s overall training process are ongoing. The line-up for the match against the Dominican Republic will be announced on August 12.”
Latvia opens World Cup play Aug. 25 vs. Lebanon.
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