The Golden State Warriors, as they blew out the LA Clippers in Game 3, were clearly shown the importance of center Andrew Bogut.
Added with just weeks left in the regular season, Andrew Bogut wasn’t supposed to play a major role with the Golden State Warriors. However, after DeMarcus Cousins’ postseason-ending quad injury, Bogut was thrust into the starting lineup, a position he’s quite comfortable with.
Now, Andrew Bogut is one of the most valuable Dubs, and Game 3 proved that.
Bogut scored eight points, secured 14 rebounds and even dished out five assists. In a mere 25 minutes, Bogut did exactly what was asked of him, one reason the veteran center ended with a +24.
It’s not just Bogut’s big frame that allows him to be useful for Golden State. It’s his high IQ and knowledge of the team which has a similar roster makeup to the one he helped take to the 2016 NBA Finals.
He understands how to secure an offense rebound and pass out. He understands how the personalities mix on defense and how to command his team from the paint. These are invaluable traits that you don’t find commonly in the league.
Bogut, in a blowout Game 3 victory, recorded the team’s third-most assists, most offensive rebounds and most defensive rebounds. His 4-for-5 from the field was the team’s second-most efficient.
That said, the injury to Cousins has left Golden State with just a handful of options at the five. Bogut is the clear favorite and will split the majority of the minutes with third-year center Kevon Looney.
Looking at around 20-25 minutes a game, Bogut will be truly tested in round 2 when he’s asked to guard Clint Capela and oftentimes switch onto James Harden. That’s what will determine the real versatility of the seven-footer.
In Game 3, Bogut wasn’t exploited defensively. It seemed the Warriors typically went under screens, even screens set for Lou Williams. Against James Harden, that could be a different story, and it’ll be testing for Bogut, the DPOY in the Australian league.
One of the team’s most crucial additions, Bogut’s already proven he can defend, score and play at a high level, but can he do it at the highest level? Can he defend one of the league’s best offenses that’ll be looking for revenge?
That will be the question, and although invaluable now, the second round will prove if the invaluable center can continue with these high-impact minutes.