After another injury setback in the form of a ruptured quad for Golden State Warriors free agent acquisition DeMarcus Cousins, a lot of the center duties now fall squarely on veteran journeyman Andrew Bogut.
Of course, Bogut has an extensive history with this Golden State franchise, spending four years with the club from 2012 through 2015. Bogut was an integral piece of Golden State’s title run in 2015 and figures to play a big role in their quest for another ring this year. However, Bogut has other commitments he’s worried about past the NBA postseason.
“The be all and end all is that I gave my word (to the Kings),” Bogut told Matt Logue of The Daily Telegraph. “That is basically what it comes down to. I could potentially have to turn down a deal from somebody at the end of this playoff run if I continue to play well. Someone outside of the Warriors could offer me a deal that would be pretty lucrative and a decent one-year deal. But I’m sold and locked in on coming to the Sydney Kings again to try and better what we did last season.”
“I really enjoyed my time in the NBL,” Bogut said. “I learned a lot of different things playing in the league and I enjoyed being at home and just promoting the game. It is kind of an ambassador role where I’m trying to promote basketball and the NBL. Hopefully it is a league that continues to prosper for the next decade-plus.”
Andrew Bogut and his Sydney Kings were stellar in Australia’s National Basketball League last season and the big man obviously has unfinished business to tend to once the Warriors’ season comes to a close. Bogut was able to secure NBL MVP this past season with averages of 11.6 points, 11.7 rebounds and a league-leading 2.7 blocks per game.
The 34-year-old veteran provides stout interior defense and quality rebounding for both the Warriors and Sydney Kings. Bogut could prove to be the difference maker that bolsters Golden State to a third straight championship after the loss of DeMarcus Cousins.
Though Bogut is set to return to Australia, he wouldn’t rule out returning to the NBA yet again next season, but this isn’t something he’s thinking about currently.
“It’s something I haven’t given too much thought to. I’m not in a situation where I’m thinking, ‘how do I play well so I can come back here,'” Bogut said. “It’s more that this is a bonus for my career. It’s the cherry on top and it will probably be my last year in the NBA. But if something happens where I am healthy and feeling good at the end of the next NBL year and they call again and want to do it, then I’m all ears.”
