Former NBA champion and reigning NBL finals MVP Matthew Dellavedova nearing a return to the Kings lineup, whereas Phoenix ahead Akech Aliir has copped a one-month drug ban by Sports activities Integrity Australia. Atone for all the newest NBL information in NBL Every day!
Watch stay protection of NBL and WNBL 2025-26 seasons with ESPN on Kayo Sports activities | New to Kayo? Be part of now and get your first month for simply $1.
SYDNEY KINGS SET FOR MAJOR BOOST AS STAR’S RETURN LOOMS
Is Matthew Dellavedova about to return? That’s the query swirling across the Sydney Kings as we speak, with rising expectation that the veteran guard may lace them up once more quickly.
The Kings confirmed completely to Fox Sports activities Australia that Dellavedova returned to crew coaching as we speak and might be assessed on a game-to-game foundation because the membership prepares for a grueling stretch of three video games in 5 days.
Whereas his availability for Spherical 12 is but to be confirmed, the Kings have said that it’s a real chance.
Sydney will hit the street with matchups towards the Perth Wildcats, Melbourne United and the Adelaide 36ers and having Dellavedova accessible could be a well timed increase.
The 35-year-old has missed the final three video games with an elbow damage which required antibiotics and hospitalisation. Sydney has gone 1–2 throughout that span.
On the courtroom, Dellavedova’s worth comes by way of management, composure and organisation – traits the Kings have missed at each ends of the ground.
NBL nice Damon Lowery mentioned Dellavedova’s excellent position two weeks in the past on SEN.
“Transferring ahead, I’d carry him off the bench myself,” Lowery stated.
“I’d begin Kendric Davis and in Delly’s place, I’d begin Jaylin Galloway and I’d carry Delly in to play some high quality minutes, however simply to begin off the bench,” Lowery added.
It’s a construction that permits Davis to dictate the offense for almost all of the sport whereas enabling Dellavedova to play his pure position when injected into the lineup.
Whereas extra readability is predicted within the coming days, the Kings will maintain onto real optimism of a Spherical 12 return for Dellavedova – whether or not towards the Wildcats in Perth or Melbourne United on the street.
PHOENIX FORWARD AKECH ALIIR’S SUSPENSION AFTER POSITIVE CANNABIS TEST
It has been revealed that South East Melbourne Phoenix ahead Akech Aliir — the youthful brother of AFL veteran Aliir Aliir — had been handed a one-month NBL suspension after testing constructive for hashish.
Sports activities Integrity Australia confirmed the ban in an announcement, revealing Aliir returned a constructive outcome for Carboxy-THC throughout a managed doping take a look at on June 15, 2025.
THC is assessed beneath Class S8 (Cannabinoids) on the World Anti-Doping Code – Prohibited Listing 2025. It’s banned in-competition solely and is taken into account a Specified Substance.
Aliir, 25, has performed 32 NBL video games with Melbourne United and South East Melbourne Phoenix, the place he’s at present averaging 4.4 factors, 2.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists.
Aliir’s suspension was diminished after he agreed to take part in a Substance of Abuse Therapy Program overseen by SIA.
He was ineligible to take part in any sports activities which have adopted a World Anti-Doping Code compliant anti-doping coverage between 28 August 2025 and 27 September 2025. He was additionally not permitted to compete in a non-signatory skilled league, or occasion organised by a non-signatory Worldwide or Nationwide degree occasion organisation.
South East Melbourne Phoenix additionally launched an announcement acknowledging the ruling:
“South East Melbourne Phoenix acknowledges the sanction imposed upon Akech Aliir by Basketball Australia.
“The sanction got here because of an opposed discovering offered June 15, 2025, whereas Aliir was taking part in NBL1.
Aliir complied with the obligations and processes in accordance with Basketball Australia’s necessities. The membership offered help to Aliir in accordance with this coverage and necessities.”
Fox Sports activities Australia spoke with Aliir’s agent, Dimitrios Kazanis of Alliance Athletic Administration, who addressed the state of affairs:
“Akech failed a drug take a look at for hashish throughout the NBL1 South Season.
“He has already served his one-month suspension and accomplished a course, in compliance with Sports activities Integrity Australia.
Since coming back from suspension, Akech has continued to thrive with the South East Melbourne Phoenix (SEM) and is in glorious type.
He’s solely targeted on acting at an elite degree and competing for a NBL Championship.“ he stated.