Would Drafting Giannis Antetokounmpo Have Changed Cleveland Cavaliers' Fate?

In the ever-evolving landscape of the NBA, the 2013 draft is often remembered for its significant missteps and missed opportunities. A common thought experiment in the realm of sports analytics revolves around: if the Cleveland Cavaliers had known about a future superstar like Giannis Antetokounmpo, would their history have taken a completely different trajectory?

Just imagine, if the Cavs' General Manager (GM) had access to information from a time traveler and drafted Giannis Antetokounmpo with the first pick instead of Anthony Bennett. Would this have been the best decision, or would it have been a missed opportunity?

Did They Do a Good Job with Their Picks?

Let's delve into the events leading up to the 2013 draft. After drafting Anthony Bennett with the first pick, the Cavaliers not only ended up with one of the most disappointing picks in recent history, but they also failed to capitalize on other promising selections. Tony Bennett, far from a basketball star, was largely seen as a poor choice, with an average of just 4.4 points per game during his four-year career with four different teams.

Comparing Anthony Bennett to Frank Sinatra

It's almost comical to compare Anthony Bennett to legendary recording artist Frank Sinatra when discussing basketball prospects. While Bennett was indeed a talented vocalist, he lacked the on-court skills to succeed in the NBA. Drafting Sinatra, just as drafting Bennett, would have been a huge letdown for any team.

Another missed opportunity was the selection of Andrew Wiggins, who has become a decent player but nothing exceptional. The Cavs could easily have chosen either Giannis Antetokounmpo or Victor Oladipo as the first pick. Oladipo would have been a significant asset to the team, as he led the Indiana Pacers to the playoffs in 2012 and 2015, showcasing incredible scoring and leadership skills.

Furthermore, the Cavs' second-round picks were also suboptimal. Choosing Joe Harris with the 41st pick, while not entirely a disaster, resulted in the Denver Nuggets picking Nicola Jokic, a player who would go on to win the NBA Most Valve Player award and become a cornerstone of the Denver team. If the Cavs had drafted Jokic, they might have achieved a more significant rebuild and success.

Other Missed Opportunities

Had the Cavaliers drafted Giannis, they would have sidestepped other significant disappointments. Joel Embiid was a very promising prospect who unfortunately suffered from injury issues and health constraints. Picking Embiid in the third spot would have been a game-changer, as he is now widely regarded as one of the best centers in the league. Instead, they selected Julius Randle, who although a good player, was overshadowed by the talent that could have come from Giannis.

Julius Randle, despite being a valuable addition, could not stand up to the pressure and was soon traded away. The Cavs' choice to pick Julius Randle over Nicola Jokic could have proven to be even more costly, as Jokic would go on to lead Denver to a potential championship.

The Curse of the First Pick

The history of the first pick in the NBA draft is riddled with misfires and missed opportunities. Drafting Giannis in 2013 would have been a game-changer, but even if the Cavs had made other picks in previous years, they still struggled to make a significant impact. The 2011 trade of Phil Jackson, a revered basketball legend, to the Los Angeles Lakers was a significant blow, and it took until 2024 for the team to show the kind of success they were once notorious for.

In conclusion, while it's impossible to know for certain if drafting Giannis Antetokounmpo would have completely transformed the Cleveland Cavaliers' fate, it's clear that the team has been riddled with missed opportunities in past drafts. If the GM had the foresight to choose Giannis as the first pick, it would have been a significant shift in the team's trajectory, possibly leading to greater success and fan excitement.