Cavaliers Rookie Keon Ellis Inspired by Text from Former Champion Dellavedova

Ellis heard from the 2016 Cavs title-winner the day he was traded to Cleveland, igniting new fire in the rookie.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Keon Ellis, a rookie with the Cleveland Cavaliers, said he received an encouraging text message from former Cavs player Matthew Dellavedova the day he was traded to Cleveland. Dellavedova, a fan favorite in Cleveland, told Ellis he would "love it" in the city, which is known for its passionate sports fans. Ellis, an undrafted player who had to work his way to the NBA, was inspired by Dellavedova's message and felt the energy from the Cavs' loud home crowd in his debut.

Why it matters

This story highlights the tight-knit basketball community and how veteran players can mentor and inspire younger players, even across teams. Dellavedova's message to Ellis, a fellow underdog who had to fight to make the NBA, helped ignite Ellis' passion and excitement to play for the Cavaliers, a team with a storied history and loyal fanbase.

The details

Ellis, a rookie with the Cavaliers, said Dellavedova, who was his teammate with the Sacramento Kings, texted him the day he was traded to Cleveland. Dellavedova, a fan favorite in Cleveland during his time with the team from 2013-2021, told Ellis he would "love it" in the city known for its passionate sports fans. Ellis, an undrafted player who had to take an untraditional path to the NBA, was inspired by Dellavedova's message and felt the energy from the Cavs' loud home crowd in his debut.

  • Ellis was traded to the Cavaliers in February 2026.
  • Ellis made his home debut for the Cavaliers on February 16, 2026.

The players

Keon Ellis

A rookie with the Cleveland Cavaliers who was traded to the team in February 2026 after starting his career as an undrafted player.

Matthew Dellavedova

A former Cleveland Cavaliers player who was a fan favorite in the city, winning an NBA championship with the team in 2016. Dellavedova played for the Cavaliers twice, from 2013-2016 and 2018-2021, and is currently playing for the Sydney Kings in Australia.

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What they’re saying

“Matthew, he was my teammate when I was in Sacramento. He texted me when I got traded. He was like, 'Yeah, you'll love it. Definitely a sports city.' So yeah, definitely was good energy in there tonight, for sure.”

— Keon Ellis, Cavaliers Rookie (ClutchPoints)

The takeaway

This story highlights the tight-knit basketball community and how veteran players can mentor and inspire younger players, even across teams. Dellavedova's message to Ellis, a fellow underdog who had to fight to make the NBA, helped ignite Ellis' passion and excitement to play for the Cavaliers, a team with a storied history and loyal fanbase.