The defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers’ recent addition of Andrew Bogut to their front-court rotation was one of the biggest deals made before this year’s trade deadline.
Bogut, 32, averaged 3.0 points and 8.3 rebounds in 26 games for the Dallas Mavericks before he was included in a package deal to acquire Nerlens Noel from the Philadelphia 76ers. The true seven-foot rim protector had several teams interested in his services, but he ultimately chose to play for a championship-contending team.
Bogut has stated that choosing where his next landing spot would be was a difficult decision. According to TNT’s David Aldridge, Matthew Dellavedova, a beloved member of the Cavaliers’ championship season and fellow Australian, may have had an impact on Bogut’s final judgement. Apparently, “Delly,” as Dellavedova is affectionately known amongst his followers, put in a good word for the Cavs organization.
Bogut and Dellavedova played together on the Australian National teams that competed in the 2016 Rio Olympics. The Australian big man offered up a bit of comedy when he was asked why he chose Cleveland over other teams, saying: “I heard it’s beautiful this time of year.”
Just got a text from Bogut. Asked him, why Cleveland? Answer: “I heard it’s beautiful this time of year."
— David Aldridge (@daldridgetnt) March 1, 2017
However Bogut decided to come to a conclusion, Cavs fans are happy to have him on the team. Now, the team can focus on incorporating all of their new additions into a suitable rotation. Most analysts expect to see the former champion suiting up for Cleveland’s home game against the Miami Heat on Monday night.
