CLEVELAND — In Cleveland, two out of three low income kids don't own a single book. For Cavaliers guard Matthew Dellavedova, that number is far too high.
It's why this season he is teaming up with Cleveland's Kids' Book Bank to put more books in the hands of children in Northeast Ohio.
Delly's passion for helping kids learn stems from his wife and mom who are both teachers.
"Reading is something that is important to both of us," said Dellavedova. "The work they (Kids' Book Bank) do is really important."
Delly's success on the court means success for kids in Northeast Ohio. Through the app Give Momentum, fans and supporters can sign up to pledge a dollar. Every time Delly has an assist, $1 will be automatically donated to Cleveland Kids' Book Bank.
"We are just trying to raise as much money as we can to help support the great work that they do in getting kids books in their hands," he said.
Delly is passionate about inspiring the next generation of readers. In September he published a book Daring Delly. It's a kids book loosely based on his adventures as a kid on and off the court.
As his 3-month-old son continues to grow, he is instilling an early love of reading in him. Delly says that his favorite book to read to his new born is 10 Little Fingers, 10 Little Toes.
"He's into it!" laughs Delly.
Delly is currently averaging a little more than two assists per game, but is looking to increase that both to help the Cavs on the court and kids in the community.