Larry Sanders, who had a private workout with the Cavaliers last week was hopeful he would successfully make his NBA return with the world champions, but it wasn’t the case. It’s not that he wasn’t good enough, or didn’t have the tools to help the Wine and Gold, it was simply the fact that the Cavs are in a “win now” mentality, and Bogut was much more of a sure thing.
Many factors were considered in the Cavs decision, but the move was made easier when dissecting which fit would be better for the Cavs right now. Sanders, on one hand, has battled numerous off-the-court issues, and hasn’t played an NBA game since December 2014, whereas Bogut has been a major figure in the last two NBA Finals as a key cog to a championship caliber team.
Bogut also brings tools to the Cavaliers that Sanders doesn’t possess. The Australian is one of the best passing big men in the league, a giant paint presence, a proven rim protector and perhaps most underrated of all, the best screen setter in the association. Combining that with the proven track record of maximizing veterans, providing screens for the array of shooters the Cavs boast as well as LeBron James always enabling competent big men to flourish alongside him, it ended up an easy decision for the organization.
From the outside it all makes sense, but when you’re Larry Sanders on the brink of finding a reliable and steady NBA home, the knock-back can be devastating.
Needless to say, he hasn’t taken it well with his latest cryptic tweet on Instagram including Bogut.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BRKYjDbhoOQ/
As coach Tyronn Lue said after his workout, Sanders’ ability is still there. It’s only a matter of time before an optimistic franchise takes a chance on him and gives him the NBA return he desires. For now, the Cavs cannot rely on if, but maybe he would help their championship aspirations.
Banking on his upside was not in their plans right now, as they have thrown everything at repeating as champions this season.