Brian Windhorst Believes The Cleveland Cavaliers Should Get Giannis Antetokounmpo
Antetokounmpo would be a huge piece for the Cavaliers' frontcourt
Despite finishing the season with an Eastern Conference-best 64-18 record, the Cleveland Cavaliers didn’t get far in the NBA playoffs. After easily sweeping the Miami Heat in the first round, they lost 4-1 in the Semifinals to the Indiana Pacers.
With the unexpected ending to their season, many pundits have voiced their concerns.
During a recent segment of ESPN Radio, sportswriter Brian Windhorst said the Cavaliers should consider trading for Milwaukee Bucks power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo.
"If the Cavs have the chance to trade for Giannis [Antetokounmpo], I would make that move.” - Brian Windhorst
Like the Cavaliers, the Bucks had a disappointing end to their season. After losing 4-1 to the Pacers in the first round, Antetokounmpo’s future in Milwaukee is uncertain.
Antetokounmpo would be a huge addition in Cleveland
While the Cavaliers’ current roster played well together this season, acquiring Antetokounmpo could improve it.
Antetokounmpo established himself as one of the greatest and most dominant players in NBA history.
Along with a championship, he is a nine-time All-Star, an eight-time All-NBA player, and a five-time All-Defensive player. He was also named the Most Valuable Player in 2019 and 2020 and won the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2020.
While Antetokounmpo will offer a huge offensive presence, his defense will be highly valued. Although the Cavaliers had the eighth-best defensive rating in the league, they struggled to protect the rim, averaging only 4.3 blocks. Antetokounmpo, who averages 1.2 blocks for his career, can help in the frontcourt.
Right now, it seems unlikely that Antetokounmpo will end up in Cleveland. However, this season has proved that anything can happen.
Cory Nelson is a contributor to The Lead. He attended Northern Virginia Community College. He can be reached at corymckenzienelson@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @CKenzyNelson, Instagram @ckenzynelson, and Threads @ckenzynelson