Golden State Warriors Mailbag: Lee, Bogut, O’Neal
Nov 15, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors center Andrew Bogut (12) reacts after being called for a foul against the Charlotte Hornets in the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
@MaggiePilloton Given Andrew Bogut's frequent injuries - is the team looking at trading for a better back-up for him?
— Helena Hamilton (@TweetlySaved) December 22, 2014
I don’t think so. Since Ezeli was out all of last season, I think the Warriors’ coaches and front office want to see what Ezeli can provide before they make any trade. Although this is Ezeli’s “third” season in the NBA, it’s more like his second season, so he might look raw at times, at least offensively, but he should be able to get the time to develop that other third year players, such as Green and Harrison Barnes, were given.
Ezeli will continue to get the chance to start with Bogut out. Even with Lee coming back, Ezeli deserves to start at center.
Last night, against the Kings, Ezeli scored a career-high 15 points, grabbed six rebounds, blocked two shots, and he shot an impressive 7-for-11 from the field. The Warriors clearly made more of an effort to feed him down low on the block or under the basket in order to get him easy buckets and boost his confidence.
It’s unclear how long Bogut will be out, but Ezeli has slowly shown improvement, and hopefully with more minutes, he will continue to improve all aspects of his game. That’s what the Warriors’ coaches and front office are counting on.
Even though the Warriors have been winning without Bogut, his health is still definitely a concern. The Warriors saw in the playoffs last season just how important his physicality, defensive prowess, and passing can be to the Warriors in a tough series.