Golden State Warriors: What to make of Andrew Bogut’s return to the Bay Area

The Golden State Warriors are bringing Andrew Bogut back to the NBA. He’s a talented player. but there are several factors–including political ones–that could make this union more difficult than anticipated.

Andrew Bogut‘s Golden State Warriors career seemingly ended during Game 5 of the 2016 NBA Finals, after Cleveland Cavaliers guard JR Smith landed on the big man’s leg and sidelined him with a knee injury. In successfully pursuing Kevin Durant, the Warriors made the decision to part ways with most of their role players–Bogut included–in order to make room for the former-MVP.

Bogut last played in the NBA on January 2018 after he was waived by the Los Angeles Lakers. He also spent time with the Dallas Mavericks and Cleveland Cavaliers before making his last NBA stop in Hollywood. After being waived, he announced that he would be joining the Sydney Kings of Australia’s National Basketball League in order to be closer to his pregnant wife.

It didn’t look like Bogut was going to return to the NBA, especially in light of his great success. In 30 games, he averaged 11.4 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists, and 2.7 blocks in 30 minutes of action. He was named the league’s Best Defensive Player and the MVP.

More from Golden Gate Sports

• Raiders: Rookie stock report following Week 3 performance
• 49ers sign new long snapper amidst a flurry of roster moves
• Oakland Athletics win Game 2 of Wild Card round with late-inning drama
• 49ers: George Kittle and Deebo Samuel cleared to return to practice
• 49ers expected to place DE Dee Ford on injured reserve

But, in a surprising turn of events, Bogut is returning to the NBA with the Warriors, but they look a little different than they did when he was last on the roster. With Kevin Durant, the Warriors are extremely top-heavy with a thinner bench than the 2016 team. And with DeMarcus Cousins, Bogut isn’t going to be the regular starting center.

But tonight, against the San Antonio Spurs, Bogut will be handling the jump ball after Cousins’ sore right ankle will keep him day-to-day.

So what do we make fun of this shocking return? What can Bogut offer?

The big man looks quick on his NBL highlight reel. He looks to be in the best shape he’s been in years, spry and springy when he finishes off lobs or defends the rim. That can translate to the NBA.

Bogut’s biggest problem has always been health, not ability. He has dealt with a series of devastating injuries that affected his offensive game and physical capabilities. He’s always been a great anchor for the defense with elite communication and timing. Talented, yet unreliable, he has struggled to stay on the floor, a frustrating part of the Bogut experience.

He looks to be in great shape, something that should hopefully be able to keep him on the floor in a limited role, whatever that will look like. The Warriors desperately needed size after Damian Jones‘ season-ending injury left the team with little options behind Cousins.

Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson certainly have to be excited at the idea of Bogut’s return because of his screen setting and passing, both which really allow them to cause off-ball chaos and get open looks all over the floor. With his transformed body, he could also be a lob threat coming off pick-and-rolls, especially with Draymond Green as the ballhandler using the space that the Splash Brothers’ mere presence opens up.

The Warriors’ defensive focus has been noticeably lower than it has been in previous years so Bogut’s return could provide them with a jolt of energy on that end of the floor. He could also alleviate a lot of the pressure and wear and tear that Draymond Green has to endure from defending bigger players.

It’s a low-risk, relatively high-reward type of basketball move. If it doesn’t work, then the Warriors will continue to run Cousins/Kevon Looney/Jordan Bell at center. If it does work, it makes the most talented team in the league even better.

Still, it’s hard to ignore some off-court stuff. Andrew Bogut is on the opposite end of the political spectrum as many of his teammates seem to be. The NBA is a far more progressive league than the other North American professional leagues and a lot of its players–especially the stars like LeBron James–have taken stands against bigotry and oppression.

Bogut has entertained wild alt-right conspiracy theories and regurgitated racist and transphobic talking points. He attacks “SJWs” (social justice warriors) for their desire to create a more positive and safer world for people from all walks of life.

The Warriors players have shown themselves to be thoughtful, accepting, and committed to a league-wide goal of making the game and the world a more inclusive place for people of color, women, LGBTQ (though, admittedly, Curry’s response to the North Carolina’s bathroom law left something to be desired), and others.

Bogut’s online presence has shown to oppose that. With certain issues–such as Black Lives Matter–which are so important to NBA players that Bogut has gone after, it will be interesting to see if this dynamic will lead to any disturbance in the locker room.

Bogut should be helpful on the court, but his presence–especially if he engages in incendiary rhetoric as a member of the team–could cause some issues. Warriors fans, especially in the liberal Bay Area, will have a tough task in front of them in decided how to welcome (or not welcome) Bogut back to the team.