Former NBA champion returned to dunking at 35 - thanks to AI
Matthew Dellavedova uses AI tools as a "24/7 personal nutritionist" and fitness coach. He has returned to peak fitness and is aiming for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
Three years after his last game in the NBA, Matthew Dellavedova still does not intend to end his career. The 35-year-old Australian guard showed a significant physical transformation during the off-season and claimed that one of the key factors was the use of artificial intelligence tools, primarily ChatGPT and Claude.
Dellavedova said that since the end of the 2025/26 season in the Australian league, he has shed about seven kilograms, lowered his resting heart rate by nine beats per minute, and even returned to dunking. All this is part of his effort to extend his career and be included in the Australian national team roster for the 2027 World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
"My best use of AI so far: a personal nutritionist available 24/7, who knows my workouts and goals and can make adjustments on the fly. The biggest impact in the off-season was planning every meal in advance, including options for when plans change due to family life, and still managing to make good decisions." — Dellavedova wrote on Instagram.
According to him, using artificial intelligence taught him to consume more carbohydrates before workouts, reduce portion sizes late in the day, and adjust calorie intake to training loads instead of eating the same way every day. He also made a habit of photographing menus in restaurants, uploading them to ChatGPT, and asking for a recommendation for a dish that would fit his nutritional goals.
Dellavedova also presented examples of how he used the tools. On a day when he only had a light shooting practice and an upper-body workout scheduled, the AI recommended he take advantage of the low load to create a larger caloric deficit and even built a suitable menu for him. Instead of sticking to a rigid menu, he was able to make changes quickly according to his schedule, workouts, and family commitments.
The guard, who won the NBA championship with Cleveland in 2016, hopes the change will help him return to the international stage. Although he has not played in the best league in the world since 2023, he continues to compete in Australia and is now aiming for two more major tournaments with the national team.
Not everyone was convinced that his enthusiasm for artificial intelligence was the only reason for posting the photos. His Australian national team teammate, Jock Landale, responded with humor: "Just an excuse to show off the body. Thanks, AI."
