Andrew Bogut in encouraging form after recovering from knee injury as Boomers prepare for Rio campaign

ANDREW Bogut’s “miracle” recovery from an injury that jeopardised his Rio campaign seems complete, and Team USA is looking forward to facing off against the Boomers big man.

Andrew Bogut in the Australian Athletes Village. Picture: Cameron Tandy

ANDREW Bogut’s “miracle” recovery from an injury that jeopardised his Rio campaign seems complete after he trained in three separate Boomers scrimmages this week.

And his presence has former Golden State Warriors championship teammate Klay Thompson on edge given the physical edge he provides.

The Boomers and Team USA square off on Thursday morning (AEST) in the third of five pool games for Australia.

Bogut had warned he would need that “miracle” to recover from serious bone bruising in both knees suffered during the NBA finals.

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He played nine minutes in a surprise return to action in Australia’s warm-up series in Argentina, with little indication if he was capable of more.

Andrew Bogut has made big improvements in recent days. Picture: Cameron Tandy

But his presence in Australia’s three contests this week, including a scrimmage against Spain, is a major boost for Australia.

His incredible passing vision and organisation — not to mention scoring power — is the centrepiece of Australia’s bid to win a first medal in Olympic basketball.

Teammate Ryan Broekhoff said Bogut was in encouraging form ahead of Australia’s first game against France.

“He’s been in a few times, he’s still managing it so we don’t want to push him too hard. But he brings a lot to the team and for him to get out and involved before the Games started has been a real plus,’’ he said.

“He keeps it pretty close. From being around him you wouldn’t know too much is wrong. But he’s been in among the group.”

Thompson won the 2015 NBA championship alongside Bogut and is expecting a tough, physical game.

Matthew Dellavedova poses for a photo with the Rio 2016 logo. Picture: AP

“I have three teammates who I played with from Australia so it should be a lot of fun,’’ he said.

“I played with Brock (Motum) and Aron (Baynes) in college and Andrew the last five years. “They are a very big team, a very physical team and I am excited to play them the most because I have good friends there. Australians are really prideful when they represent their country so they won’t back down. It is a good challenge.

“I am happy (Bogut is) out there because he wanted more than anything to play this Olympics for his country and he’s going to be a force in the paint so we will have to be ready for him.”

Melbourne-born Kyrie Irving was asked at this week’s Dream Team press conference about returning to play for Australia and made it clear that horse had bolted.

He also shares a kinship with an Australian NBA champion in Matthew Dellavedova, one of four Australian NBA titleholders in the past three seasons.

“That time for me has passed. The last time I played for the green and gold I was 17 years old and the head coach of this team (Mike Krzyzewski) I don’t think would allow that to happen!

“I am looking forward to seeing one of my championship brothers. We are bonded forever, Matthew Dellavedova and I, we are brothers for life so I am looking forward to seeing him.”