The Golden State Warriors not only added a shot-blocking big man in Andrew Bogut, but they added diversity to their potential lineup options.
By signing Andrew Bogut, the Golden State Warriors obtained a true rim-protecting center, a type of big they didn’t have prior to Bogut’s arrival.
Playing three years in the Bay during the early years of the Dubs dynasty, Bogut’s got an understanding of how to play alongside Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. The addition of Kevin Durant will be new to the veteran, seven-foot big man.
However, Durant’s arrival in the Bay will have no impact of Bogut or his style of play. Bogut will be used in specialty situations for coach Kerr. He may be mainly used against lineups that feature rim-rolling big men like Clint Capela or Jusuf Nurkic.
Two years prior to his stint with Golden State, Bogut led the league in blocks per game, averaging 2.6 per game. That season he also tacked on 11.1 rebounds per game, showcasing his skill set and becoming one of the best interior big men in the NBA.
Now 34, Bogut’s spent the last two years in the Australian Basketball League. Coming off a league MVP and DPOY campaign, Bogut will return to the NBA hoping to secure his second NBA Championship.
Back during the Warriors historic 2015-2016 season, Bogut played the team’s sixth most minutes per game. He was the Warriors best big man. Since that season, Bogut’s NBA career took a steep downhill spiral.
He signed with the Dallas Mavericks and was eventually bought out. He then signed with Cleveland where he went with a season-ending injury just a few minutes into his time with the team.
To cap it all off, he signed with the struggling Lakers who then had no hope of the playoffs. Eventually, he found himself probably enjoying basketball again in the Australian league. Showcasing such talent, Bogut’s ready for his NBA comeback.
Without a rim-protecting big man, the Warriors are the perfect team to have signed the former elite big man. Bogut can do what Jordan Bell, Kevon Looney and DeMarcus Cousins can’t. Offensively, he doesn’t even try to do what they do.
Bogut knowing his role is crucial in him playing significant minutes. As we’ve seen with many teams, it’s likely Kerr will have more faith the veteran Bogut than he will in Jordan Bell or Kevon Looney, two young frontcourt players that’ve yet to display postseason success.
Bogut will add versatility and diversity to the Warriors lineup options, and for the Dubs this postseason, that might be imperative to success.