LeBron James and Anthony Davis are in Los Angeles, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving are in New York, and Giannis Antetokounmpo is staying in Milwaukee. This last bit is the news of the day, and it’s not just great for Milwaukee—it looks like a victory for other small-market teams. But is it?
LeBron is a trendsetter. Giannis might be an exception. He was a late bloomer, a mid-first-round draft pick (in a historically awful draft!), a European who did not grow up expecting to become an NBA star. He also plays for a well-run organization that has built a true championship contender.