Andrew Bogut rejoins Golden State Warriors
Thursday 7 March 2019 05:54, UK
Andrew Bogut is rejoining the Golden State Warriors after being cleared by his Australian team, the Sydney Kings.
The Warriors hope Bogut, who is expected to rejoin the team next week, will add depth to their injury-hit squad heading into the playoffs.
The defending NBA champions are without center Damian Jones, who needed surgery after injuring his left pectoral muscle in December.
"He's still got something to offer," coach Steve Kerr said. "Whatever role that means, he's ready to accept and take on the challenge and we're excited to have him."
Bogut, the No 1 overall draft pick in 2005, played on the Warriors' 2015 championship winning team and also the following season when they lost in Game 7 of the NBA Finals to LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
"I think it will be great for us to have Bogut back," said Warriors forward Draymond Green.
"We all know what Bogut brings to the table, so I think it will overall help us, especially going down this stretch where it's going to be a tough run to try to three-peat."
The Warriors scouted the 34-year-old in Australia and had to wait for his work visa and clearance from FIBA to sign him.
Bogut sparked interest from a number of NBA teams after a standout season with the Sydney Kings of Australia's National Basketball League (NBL) but knew there was really only one team that could lure him away from his homeland.
"It's something that I'd be crazy to give up, the chance to win a championship with one of the greatest teams in basketball," Bogut told a news conference in Sydney.
"So it ended up being a pretty easy decision in that sense. Other teams weren't really in consideration - I don't think I would have gone back to play for anyone else."
Bogut was named the Most Valuable Player and Defensive Player of the Year in the NBL but is fully aware those awards will matter little when it comes to cracking the Warriors' vaunted starting lineup.
The towering 34-year-old center will essentially serve as insurance in case DeMarcus Cousins, who in January made his Warriors debut after a torn Achilles tendon that sidelined him almost a year, is injured or limited by foul trouble.
"I spoke to [Warriors head coach] Steve Kerr last week and, for me, I'm under no illusions. It's an absolute honour to sign [even if I don't] play a minute. Anything more than that is a bonus.," said Bogut.
"I appreciate the opportunity, if it's waving a towel for 20 odd games and being a good team-mate, I'm happy to do it."
