[mac222b]

Originally Posted by endrity

Toronto, GS, Lakers, Clippers, Miami .... all the "cool" spots and big markets which have been mentioned as possible destinations for Giannis seem to have old rosters that would need considerable retooling to have a good team around him. He doesn't just leave Milwaukee without making sure that he has a stable team around him for years to come/

Houston is in the same boat with two stars over 30, and Harden not being his best friend, even though basketball wise they might have the best style to attract him. Plenty of shooters, open space to drive, and other ballhandlers ... though again, Harden might be too much of a ballhandler. Russ would need to leave though.

I really think that basketball sense it makes sense for him in Dallas, Donnie has old connections with him, and KP and him have a basketball friendship as well. For the first time, I think we really have a chance.

I just want to make sure we don't want to over-emphasize the "Euro" connection with Luka, KP or even to Dirk. They are all from three different countries with few links with each other. KP and Luka also played for years in Spain before coming over, whereas Giannis was playing in Greece's second division without ever facing other elite players in the continent. (Side note, this is very similar to Dirk who was also an unkown in Europe, playing Germany's second division, which is even more of a basketball backwater than Greece. He never faced any of the European elite while in Germany). Giannis was also the son Nigerian immigrants to boot, who probably didn't even get a chance to travel outside Greece before getting his citizenship at age 18, in his last year living in Greece. "Europe" is probably a foreign concept for him to begin with. I know he feels partly Greek and partly Nigerian, but "Europe" to him probably means nothing.

If he comes to Dallas, it's because it's a good situation, with a stable franchise, and with basketball people he knows and trusts.

I agree on one level. On the other hand, he could see a 5 year window with any of GSW, LAC or Miami. Depends on if this move comes through trade or FA signing. Miami would have to give up almost all its young talent to get him unless he says: trade me there or I sign outright. Future low picks, Herro, Robinson, Nunn still isn’t getting it done. And Miami loses all shooting. Bam and Robinson and picks? GS can offer the motherload. Toronto would be building around Giannis, Siakam, OG and FVV presumably so he would have to trust Masai/Nurse to fill in around the edges. LAC could sign and trade Harrell, Zubac, Shamet, Lou Williams on a value contract and some scattered picks. Pretty meh.