The Cleveland Cavaliers completed their roster today as they landed Australian big man Andrew Bogut in a massive coup for the franchise. Bogut, who had meetings with other championship contenders in the San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, and Boston Celtics, decided on the defending champion Cavs in hopes of adding another championship ring to his resume.
Reports last week stated that Bogut was Cleveland-bound after former Dallas Mavericks teammate Deron Williams was released and signed with the Cavs, but there was a sense of uncertainty as Bogut scheduled meetings to assess his options.
The Cavs had to decide between going after Larry Sanders and Bogut, but the Cavs opted to add the proven center with championship experience, furthering their “win now” mentality. It’s funny how basketball works, as the Cavs rival Golden State Warriors landed former Cavalier Anderson Varejao last season, and now the Cavs have secured Bogut, who was an integral part of the Warriors championship success in 2015.
After word of his decision came down, TNT and NBA.com’s David Aldridge texted Bogut, asking him why he chose Cleveland as his next destination. Here’s Bogut’s hilarious response.
Without Kevin Love, the Cavs needed another big man to increase their depth at the center position. Currently, that position is being played by just Tristan Thompson. Bogut gives them extra versatility and a genuine, shot-blocking big man who can do the dirty work in the paint. Bogut is also an underrated passer, and can make a thing or two happen on the offensive end in case of a stagnant possession.
Expect Bogut and Williams to get fully acclimated to their new teammates in the next month and a half of the regular season as they prepare for a run at repeating as NBA Champions.