Manny Wilson, Founder of The Run USA.
On July 20, after the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Phoenix Suns to win the NBA finals, Giannis said to ESPN, “It’s easy to go somewhere and go win a championship with somebody else, it’s easy…I could go I could go to a super team and just do my part and win a championship but this is the hard way to do it, and we did it. We fucking did it.".
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Giannis has changed the league more than just with his game. Bringing a title back to Milwaukee sent a message to the rest of the NBA that it’s possible to win without a super team or multiple stars in today’s era.
So what exactly does this mean for the rest of the league?
The super team trend may be coming to a halt. NBA basketball is at a turning point in time as young stars begin to thrive. For example, young stars such as Trae young, Luka Doncic, Jayson Tatum and Devin Booker have all showed great promise while under the age of 25.
In addition, each one of these young stars averaged 25+ point per game this past nba season. To put things into perspective, Kevin Durant averaged 26 points per game & LeBron James averaged 25 points per game last season which is still less than what 2 of the 4 young stars (Luka Doncic: 27ppg, Jayson Tatum: 26ppg) averaged.
These young guys are the heart and soul of their franchise. They’re teams have also built identities around each one of their franchise players. In comparison, similar to how the Bucks crowned Giannis as a centerpiece to build around, then, proceeded to do so.
It’s possible we could see the super team trend come to an end in the near future because of Giannis and the Milwaukee Bucks. However, this ultimately depends on how determined young guys are to bring a title to the team that drafted them. Nonetheless, the team’s front office plays a huge role in the process as well. Most stars are driven away when they don’t receive the necessary help from a teams front office despite wanting to stay loyal.
Many super teams form because players eventually recognize the lack of effort by upper management. This leads to being “disloyal” during free agency once someone is given the choice to stay in a bad situation or strive for more.
Players should not necessarily be deemed as disloyal for leaving a bad situation. Especially, if there‘s no sight of being able to compete for what matters most. An NBA Championship.
Furthermore, fans love seeing a great success story for a star that is loyal to his franchise. The value of a championship seems to mean more to fans when teams win without assembling a super-team. Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks taking down the Miami Heat in 2011. Kobe and the Lakers defeating the Celtics in 2010.
Now, The Greek Freak is amongst other stars who won a championship without assembling or joining a super team. Ultimately, the current state of talent in the league proves the league will be in great hands. Super teams or no super teams, the NBA has more than enough to remain entertaining.
Follow Manny on twitter & instagram @IamMannyWilson .
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