The not so curious case of signing Andrew Bogut

The Golden State Warriors needed a backup plan, and needed one immediately.

DeMarcus Cousins was showing his weakness in pick and role defense. Not to mention, struggling offensively. Warriors GM Bob Meyers was now force to use that vacant 15th slot on a big for insurance.

The Warriors sent assistant GM Larry Harris down under to reach back into a not so distant past to get the serviceable big, the insurance that they now needed.

Enter Andrew Bogut.

Bogut got healthy, shed some weight, and won the NBL’s MVP with the Sidney Kings. His exploits against the competition in Australia made it’s way back to Oakland, and not long after that the Warriors resigned Bogut to finish the balance of the season and help with the latest playoff run.

Initially, I was a bit skeptical of the signing. My main reasons were age and the fact that he’s been away from the NBA for nearly three years.

After the signing, I understand why this was the sensible move to make.

Familiarity Matters

In the Warriors’ system, bigs such as Bougt, Kevon Looney and Damian Jones have a simple yet specific role in the offense. Not only are they setting screens, they are also playmakers in the post. In the span of three years, the concept hasn’t changed much. This was exactly why when Cousins went down with a sore foot, Bogut fit almost seamlessly into the rotation against the Spurs and the Wolves.

In the interest of the situation, Bogut was solid in his minutes in this recent back to back. In his 31 minutes of action, Bogut scored 9 points, snagged 13 rebounds and four assist. Not eye catching numbers but not bad for someone that’s been out of the league for as long as  he has. Not to mention, him contributing in other ways such as screening.

Mentorship

The Warriors’ core of bigs are young and relatively inexperienced, and it shows more often than not. Since the schemes haven’t really changed much since Bogut left, he can offer his expertise and help to Looney, Jones and Jordan Bell on the offensive and defensive end. He can get Bell, for example to stop biting on pump fakes. Also, Bogut could instill some aggression in Jones.

Stabilizing the second unit

Cousins is expected to return to the lineup against the Pacers, which means Bogut will more than likely be the first big off the bench. If that’s the case, the Warriors have a big that can again, pass and facilitate out of the post. Plus, he’s good for the occasional dunk,and shots around the paint to even 10 feet out. Defensively, Bogut could defend his position against certain matchups and grab his share of rebounds while he’s out there with the bench.

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