© Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Amidst the Warriors struggles of late, the team received some good news this week with the official signing of former-Warrior Andrew Bogut. The 14-year veteran was a big part of the Warriors’ 2015 NBA title run, and was a favorite throughout the organization during his four-year Warriors career.
After the signing was made official, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr joined Tolbert & Lund Thursday afternoon for his weekly update regarding the team. Kerr discussed how the Warriors became involved in a reunion with Bogut, and just how soon he will be back on the court.
The Warriors interest in Bogut began in December before DeMarcus Cousins made his return. The Warriors lack of size at the center position has been an area of focus the past couple of seasons.
“I think Bob (Myers) brought it to me a couple of months ago, even before DeMarcus returned. We knew we were vulnerable no matter what DeMarcus did as far as his play and health-wise, just because of the past couple years, we didn’t have a lot of big bodies. So Bob brought it to me a couple of months ago, and we were both intrigued.”
Playing for the Sydney Kings earlier this year, Bogut’s level of play rewarded him with the title of NBL’s Most Valuable Player, along with the Defensive Player of the Year award, while also being selected to the All NBL First-Team. It’s unclear exactly what role Bogut will play, but Kerr and GM Bob Myers were impressed with what they saw.
“We checked him out, and how well he was playing in Australia, his body felt great. It’s a shorter season over there, I think only thirty games, but he played 30 minutes a night. All the reports were great, and Boges (Bogut) really wanted to be here and he knows the system and half the guys on our team, it’s going to be a really easy fit. He might just be an insurance policy, but he could play a role, we’re excited to have him, and he’s excited to be coming.”
After finishing his season with the Sydney Kings, Bogut will join the Warriors for the remainder of the season. Kerr did not give a specific date for Bogut’s return to the court, but said it should be about a week.
“Andrew told me that the middle of next week sometime will be the target. There’s visa issues, I think he has to land here, then fly to Vancouver, then fly back for visa purposes, so he thought by the middle of next week, so maybe a week or so from now would be the best target. ”
Listen to the full interview here, skip to 10:30 for Kerr’s thoughts on Bogut’s return: