We’re a little over a week into the indefinite hiatus of the NBA and all sports. The time without live action has fans looking back at history and pondering alternate realities. I, myself, wondered what could have happened if Giannis Antetokounmpo did not slip down to #15 to be drafted by the Bucks.
2013 Draft Order
1. Cleveland 2. Orlando 3. Washington 4. Charlotte 5. Phoenix 6. New Orleans 7. Sacramento 8. Detroit 9. Minnesota 10. Portland 11. Philadelphia 12. Oklahoma City 13. Dallas 14. Utah 15. Milwaukee
The hopeless ones: Orlando, Charlotte, Phoenix, Sacramento, Detroit, Minnesota.
As great as Giannis is, bad front offices can be difficult to overcome. These six teams have made the playoffs six times combined since 2013. No doubt that Giannis, assuming the same development he has shown in Milwaukee, could have carried some of these teams to the playoffs. That being said, nothing much more would have happened for these teams. I will admit that, the pairing of Giannis and Devin Booker could have caused some problems for opposing teams.
Intriguing teammates: Washington, New Orleans, Portland, Philadelphia, Dallas, Utah
Washington Wizards
Pairing Giannis Antetokounmpo with John Wall and Bradley Beal instead of Otto Porter would have been interesting. The Wizards got into the postseason three times since Giannis’ drafting, losing in the second round all three times. However, in the 2016-17 season they went seven games against the Boston Celtics. Perhaps having Giannis could have propelled them to the conference finals to face LeBron’s Cavaliers.
New Orleans Pelicans
A very intriguing, potentially dominant, pairing could have been formed in New Orleans. Pairing Giannis with Anthony Davis could have blossomed into a duo dominant on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. They potentially could have put together results similar to or even better than this year’s Lakers team.
Portland Trail Blazers
Imagine Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo on the same team. I remember a time it was a pipe dream trade rumor before the Bucks traded for Eric Bledsoe. A duo of Dame and Giannis would be a nightmare for opposing defenses, considering Lillard’s unlimited range and Giannis’ absolute dominance around the rim. In addition, the court vision that they both possess to help those around them sounds fun to watch. Unfortunately, it is hard to imagine the two of them and not including CJ McCollum.
Philadelphia 76ers
Trust the process has been the mantra of the 76ers for years now. In 2013 Philadelphia selected eventual Milwaukee Buck Michael Carter-Williams, who won rookie of the year in 2013. Though he may have seemed a good selection at the time, he’s fizzled and is at best a role player. Put Giannis in his place, then add Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid, the possibilities are endless. Although there are rumors of discourse and lack of chemistry in Philly, a three-headed monster of Giannis, Simmons and Embiid would be dominant for years. Eat your hearts out 76er fans.
Dallas Mavericks
With the 13th selection in the 2013 draft, the Dallas Mavericks selected Kelly Olynyk. He was moved to Boston and with the pick selected Shane Larkin. No doubt Mavericks fans and their front office would rather have Giannis Antetokounmpo. Recent acquisition Kristaps Porzingis would complete the assembly of another three-headed monster: Giannis, Porzingis and second-year sensation Luka Doncic.
Utah Jazz
Finally, drafting before the Bucks at #14, the last team to have a chance at Giannis was the Utah Jazz. Their selection was another eventual Buck, Shabazz Muhammad. Had they selected Giannis, they could have paired him with Rudy Gobert, who was acquired from the Nuggets in this same draft. They then added Donovan Mitchell in 2017. It would make for a duo tough to score on around the rim and some impressive offensive production.
Potential Dynasties
Cleveland Cavaliers
Putting Giannis on the Cavaliers instead of Anthony Bennett is something I’m sure every Cavs fan wishes they could do. In Giannis’ sophomore season, LeBron returned to Cleveland and went to four straight finals, winning one. Put Giannis and LeBron together and it is hard to imagine that they do not win at least two rings, maybe more.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Switching over to the Western Conference, and the greatest potential dominance, is the Oklahoma City Thunder. Giannis would have had three seasons with Durant and Westbrook together. The pair lost in the Western Conference Finals in 2016 to the Warriors. He would have also had two seasons paired with Westbrook and Paul George. That makes two potential three-headed monsters that would have contended for championships.
Going Forward
Being a Bucks fan, I could not be happier that Giannis Antetokounmpo is in Milwaukee, hopefully for life. Also hopefully, we will be back to watching live sports soon instead of pondering hypotheticals. Even if those hypotheticals make fans of other franchises put their faces in their hands at what their teams missed out on, we all miss live sports. Until then, hopefully you enjoy what could have been.
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