Andrew Bogut has decided to sign with the defending NBA champion Cleveland Cavaliers. I guess the old saying is true, "if you can't beat them join them." The former Golden State Warrior was traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Philadelphia 76ers last week and when the Sixers couldn't trade him again they reached a buyout agreement making him a free agent. Bogut had narrowed his choices down to the Houston Rockets, Boston Celtics, and Cleveland before making his final decision.
Cavs add another rim protector
With the signing of Andrew Bogut the Cleveland Cavaliers get some major help on the defensive side of the ball.
Tristan Thompson has been the Cavs primary big man without much depth on the bench behind him until now. Bogut is a perfect fit for what Cleveland needs right now. He is a mobile big man that can defend the paint, rebound, and block shots. He is good for about 15-20 mins a game which would allow Tristan Thompson to get rest during the last part of the season into the playoffs. There's nothing better than going into the playoffs fully loaded and completely healthy which is what the Cavaliers hope to accomplish. Bogut is also a veteran presence with playoff experience and a championship to boot. The title he won was actually against the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2015 when he was a key member of the Golden State Warriors.
Now he will try to win another one in what could possibly be Cleveland vs. Golden State part III in this years NBA Finals.
Lebron gets his playmaker
Not only did the Cavaliers sign Bogut but they also brought in veteran point guard Deron Williams who also reached a buyout agreement with the Dallas Mavericks last week. LeBron James has been very vocal recently about the team needing to add another playmaker to help ease the burden for him and Kyrie Irving.
JR Smith, the Cavs starting shooting guard, has been out for weeks dealing with an injury and his return won't come until the end of the season or possibly the playoffs so the Cavs needed some help at the guard spots. Bringing in Deron gives the team much needed depth and a high caliber player to allow Kyrie to rest during stretches of the game.
Williams was at one point considered one of the best point guards in the NBA and he is big and physical and can run the pick and roll to perfection. Having Bogut and Williams on board along with new addition Kyle Korver gives the Cavs plenty of depth and weapons heading into the postseason, giving the Cavs a greater chance to possibly repeat as champions.
