Golden State Warriors: Bogut-Ellis Trade Still Paying Off

Dominant Defense Led by Andrew Bogut

Jan 9, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) looks to attempt a shot next to Golden State Warriors center Andrew Bogut (12) in the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

The third result of the Ellis trade was the Warriors becoming one of the best defensive teams in the NBA, behind the dominance of Bogut. Again, this is somewhat of an indirect result, as Coach Jackson’s defensive system certainly helped the Warriors’ defense as a team, but the defense wouldn’t have been the same without the Warriors’ acquisition of Bogut.

Bogut is a force to be reckoned with on defense. He is the dominant defensive center that the Warriors lacked for way too long. Remember the Andris Biedrins days? On second thought, let’s not think of those sad days.

Bogut is vicious on the boards, and he has impeccable timing, which allows him to block shots or alter shots enough that the Warriors’ opponents have to re-think driving towards the basket when he’s in the game. Bogut completely changes opponents’ offensive strategies, and because of that, his defensive impact on the Warriors is unmatched.

His defense and his leadership give the Warriors extra confidence and energy on the defensive end, and the Warriors certainly wouldn’t be where they at defensively if they hadn’t acquired Bogut. Although Bogut has had health issues, his value to this Warriors team is extremely high. He’s arguably the second most important player on the team behind Curry.

Next: Improved Team Chemistry