NBA Golden State Warriors

Andrew Bogut’s Offensive Resurgence A Spark For Golden State Warriors

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Between shooting guard Klay Thompson dropping 41 points on the Los Angeles Lakers and point guard Stephen Curry continuing to be the greatest shooter of all time, center Andrew Bogut is having a mid-career renaissance thanks to coach Steve Kerr’s new offensive system.

Bogut’s status as one of the NBA’s premier rim protectors has never been questioned (1.6 BLKPG for his career), especially as the anchor of the suddenly-elite Golden State Warriors defense. Bogut’s offensive game, however, has significantly dwindled since he began his tenure in the Bay Area. As a member of the Milwaukee Bucks, Bogut averaged close to 13 points a game, but he averaged less than seven per game as a Warrior.

Following his 11-point effort on 5-of-6 shooting, Bogut’s offensive game looks primed for a resurgence. 11 points is not impressive on its own, of course, but Bogut has been an integral cog in Kerr’s offense thus far. The Bogut-Thompson and Bogut-Curry pick-and-pops have been deadly in the early going, as Bogut’s improved health have allowed him to absorb contact and set stronger picks to free up his shooters.

In addition, Bogut’s passing from both the high and low posts, a longtime strength of his, have been integral in allowing Kerr’s pass-happy offense to thrive.

While former coach Mark Jackson’s offense heavily relied on isolation plays, Kerr wants his players to whip the ball around and continuously move. Heavy isolation, especially with power forward David Lee, took any room to operate offensively away from Bogut. With high pick-and-roll sets and more motion, however, he is granted more space in the paint to grab offensive rebounds and post up opposing big men.

Forward Draymond Green’s insertion into the starting lineup has helped space the floor and has benefitted Bogut, but Lee’s return from his sore hamstring may once again cramp the Warriors’ spacing on offense. Hopefully Bogut’s offense will thrive regardless of his frontcourt partner.

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