Former NBA champion and reigning NBL finals MVP Matthew Dellavedova nearing a return to the Kings lineup, while Phoenix forward Akech Aliir has copped a one-month drug ban by Sports Integrity Australia. Catch up on all the latest NBL news in NBL Daily!
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SYDNEY KINGS SET FOR MAJOR BOOST AS STAR’S RETURN LOOMS
Is Matthew Dellavedova about to return? That’s the question swirling around the Sydney Kings today, with growing expectation that the veteran guard could lace them up again soon.
The Kings confirmed exclusively to Fox Sports Australia that Dellavedova returned to team training today and will be assessed on a game-to-game basis as the club prepares for a grueling stretch of three games in five days.
While his availability for Round 12 is yet to be confirmed, the Kings have stated that it is a genuine possibility.
Sydney will hit the road with matchups against the Perth Wildcats, Melbourne United and the Adelaide 36ers and having Dellavedova available would be a timely boost.
The 35-year-old has missed the last three games with an elbow injury which required antibiotics and hospitalisation. Sydney has gone 1–2 across that span.
On the court, Dellavedova’s value comes through leadership, composure and organisation – traits the Kings have missed at both ends of the floor.
NBL great Damon Lowery discussed Dellavedova’s ideal role two weeks ago on SEN.
“Moving forward, I would bring him off the bench myself,” Lowery said.
“I would start Kendric Davis and in Delly’s position, I would start Jaylin Galloway and I would bring Delly in to play some quality minutes, but just to start off the bench,” Lowery added.
It’s a structure that allows Davis to dictate the offense for the majority of the game while enabling Dellavedova to play his natural role when injected into the lineup.
While more clarity is expected in the coming days, the Kings will hold onto genuine optimism of a Round 12 return for Dellavedova – whether against the Wildcats in Perth or Melbourne United on the road.
PHOENIX FORWARD AKECH ALIIR’S SUSPENSION AFTER POSITIVE CANNABIS TEST
It has been revealed that South East Melbourne Phoenix forward Akech Aliir — the younger brother of AFL veteran Aliir Aliir — had been handed a one-month NBL suspension after testing positive for cannabis.
Sports Integrity Australia confirmed the ban in a statement, revealing Aliir returned a positive result for Carboxy-THC during a controlled doping test on June 15, 2025.
THC is classified under Class S8 (Cannabinoids) on the World Anti-Doping Code – Prohibited List 2025. It is banned in-competition only and is considered a Specified Substance.
Aliir, 25, has played 32 NBL games with Melbourne United and South East Melbourne Phoenix, where he is currently averaging 4.4 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists.
Aliir’s suspension was reduced after he agreed to participate in a Substance of Abuse Treatment Program overseen by SIA.
He was ineligible to participate in any sports that have adopted a World Anti-Doping Code compliant anti-doping policy between 28 August 2025 and 27 September 2025. He was also not permitted to compete in a non-signatory professional league, or event organised by a non-signatory International or National level event organisation.
South East Melbourne Phoenix also released a statement acknowledging the ruling:
“South East Melbourne Phoenix acknowledges the sanction imposed upon Akech Aliir by Basketball Australia.
“The sanction came as a result of an adverse finding provided June 15, 2025, while Aliir was playing NBL1.
Aliir complied with the obligations and processes in accordance with Basketball Australia’s requirements. The club provided support to Aliir in accordance with this policy and requirements.”
Fox Sports Australia spoke with Aliir’s agent, Dimitrios Kazanis of Alliance Athletic Management, who addressed the situation:
“Akech failed a drug test for cannabis during the NBL1 South Season.
“He has already served his one-month suspension and completed a course, in compliance with Sports Integrity Australia.
Since returning from suspension, Akech has continued to thrive with the South East Melbourne Phoenix (SEM) and is in excellent form.
He is solely focused on performing at an elite level and competing for a NBL Championship.“ he said.