Golden State Warriors Season Preview: Andrew Bogut
By Eric He
The Warriors’ 2014-2015 season is getting closer by the day, and it’s time to take a look at the roster. In the next few weeks, Blue Man Hoop will preview every player on the Warriors’ roster and predict his performance in the upcoming season.
It was two and a half years ago when that fateful trade was made by the Warriors to send fan-favorite Monta Ellis to the Bucks for crippled center Andrew Bogut.
While many fans’ immediate reaction was disbelief and anger, the feeling slowly but surely turned to positivity as Bogut provided the Warriors with a defensive anchor down low that they haven’t had in decades.
As the 2014-2015 season nears, Bogut is one of the most important players on the team and the Warriors need him to stay healthy through 82 games and the postseason.
What he does well
Defend — period. Bogut is arguably one of the best defensive centers in the game. He finished sixth in the league in blocked shots per game last season (1.81), but even when he doesn’t block a shot, his long reach and prowess force an errant shot more often than not. Bogut also snatches up rebounds at a high rate, finishing tied for 10th in the league last season in rebounds per game (10.0). Without him anchoring the middle, the Warriors would be hopeless in defending the paint.
On offense, Bogut is an above-average passer for a big man, and can also handle the ball exceptionally well for a seven-footer. This play against the Suns from last season epitomizes that:
How many centers can grab a rebound, dribble 75 feet, avoid two defenders, then throw a behind-the-back pass to a wide-open man?
Bogut also does well in offensive sets, where he holds the ball at the top of the key and waits for a cutter or a man to spring free:
Most defensive centers are simply that — defensive centers. But Bogut has shown that he can not only be a part of the Warriors’ offense, but also facilitate it.
What he needs to work on
Despite his passing and dribbling abilities, Bogut struggles with finishing any shot that isn’t a layup or dunk. He has not averaged double digits in scoring since the 2011-2012 season, and it’s clear that injuries have taken a toll on his shot. His free-throw shooting is also abysmal; he shot 34.4 percent from the line last year.
However, he has shown some promise on offensive in the preseason. In the first preseason game against the Clippers, Bogut went 5-for-5 and finished with 10 points. Here’s what Adam Lauridsen of FastBreak had to say:
"Bogut slashed down the lane, nailed an elbow jumper and even connected on that frustrating little hook shot that always seemed to roll out these past two years. If Bogut can be this engaged and effective on offense all season long, the Warriors’ chances of making a long post-season run just increased. It’s a double win for the Warriors, because an offense in which Bogut commands defensive attention by making shots is one in which Curry, Thompson, Iguodala and Lee will all have easier times creating space for their own looks."
The Warriors already have a lethal starting lineup with the four offensive threats mentioned. Any additional production they can get out of Bogut would be a huge bonus, but he has to prove that he can score in ways other than layups or dunks.
And regarding free throws, Bogut is now shooting them left-handed, so we’ll see if that leads to any improvement.
Best case scenario
Bogut stays healthy for all 82 games and the playoffs. He reinvigorates his offensive game and adds to the Warriors’ dynamic offense while continuing to be a monster down low. He maintains his ability to block or alter shots and grab rebounds on both ends of the floor.
Worst case scenario
The injury-prone Bogut succumbs to health problems once again and misses a large chunk of games, including the playoffs. As a result, the Warriors’ defense falters and the nightmare of David Lee trying to defend Blake Griffin is revisited. Bogut has a minimal impact on the team and the Warriors are forced to give the inexperienced Festus Ezeli and Ognjen Kuzmic important minutes at center.
Predicted stat line (averages)
9.4 points, 11.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.7 blocks, 70 games played