Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr says he’d “absolutely” welcome Andrew Bogut back
Anyone thinking Andrew Bogut’s return to the NBA last year was a one-off might be mistaken, with Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr lavishing praise on the Sydney Kings and Boomers star.
Basketball
Don't miss out on the headlines from Basketball. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr would “absolutely” welcome back Andrew Bogut for another NBA stint after the 2019-20 NBL season, labelling the Sydney Kings star one of the best passing big men the game has seen.
Bogut excelled on his return to the Warriors this year after being named MVP with the Kings.
The veteran centre made a seamless transition back for Golden State, where he helped win an NBA championship in 2015 with his defence, passing and post moves.
Live stream every game of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 with KAYO SPORTS on your TV, computer, mobile or tablet. Get your 14 day free trial & start streaming instantly >
Bogut played 11 games, including five starts, as the Warriors surged through the post-season before losing to the Toronto Raptors in the NBA Finals.
The Boomers star has previously refused to rule out returning to the NBA following another NBL season with the Kings.
“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, I’m all ears,” Bogut said in April.
Bogut might be in luck because Kerr would also like to see the big man back at Golden State.
“We loved having Bogues at the Warriors last year,” said Kerr, who won five NBA championships as a player and now has three as a coach.
“I think it was really good for him to play in Sydney. Part of that was just being home.
“It is a better lifestyle than the NBA and it is a better schedule.
“Where he is in his career, that is much better for him physically and mentally. So I thought he was very refreshed when he came back to the NBA and he made an immediate impact.
“But yeah, (Bogues returning to the NBA) is something that I’d be into again.
“Andrew just seems rejuvenated to me. From a few years ago to now, he is playing better than he has in years.
“He is one of the best passing big men who has ever lived, so what he did for the Boomers in that win against Team USA didn’t surprise me.”
Bogut starred in the Boomers’ first ever win over the Americans at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne last Saturday, finishing with 16 points, nine rebounds and four assists.
Australia’s 98-94 upset victory snapped a 78-game winning streak for Team USA and ended a 30-0 run on Aussie soil since 1956.
You could understand if Kerr found the Boomers’ win hard to watch as a proud American and USA assistant coach.
“But it wasn’t bittersweet all,” he said. “It is great to see moments like that for people that you care about and want to see succeed.
“I know one of the reasons Bogues came back to the Warriors this year was so that his kids could see him play in the NBA.
“I’d see him come into our training facility in Oakland with his son and he would just shoot free-throws.
“I’d look down from my office and see Andrew and his son. It’s beautiful to watch.”
Kerr said it had also been a treat to see Bogut build team camaraderie at Golden State.
“Then you combine that with his intelligence, he is just a brilliant basketball player at both ends of the floor,” he said.
“He understands, he communicates incredibly well.
“Draymond Green still gives him credit for teaching him how to communicate and he is the loudest guy out there.
“Bogues is a phenomenal player and he has earned all of this success.”
Originally published as Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr says he’d “absolutely” welcome Andrew Bogut back
Join the conversation
SuperCoach NBL fast trades, tips for Round 5
Round 5 in SuperCoach NBL is all about one player. See the No.1 trade target this week and how to set up your team in a few clicks.
Read more
United shine in CG43’s 450th, as Kings dominate Taipans
Melbourne United stormed home to a massive victory over the 36ers in Chris Goulding’s 450th game as, the Sydney Kings didn’t miss their star point guard as they cruised to victory over Cairns.
Read more