Andrew Bogut practices with team on consecutive days, still not sure for season opener availability – NBA News
The Golden State Warriors are one of the underdogs in the Western Conference this season with all the competition. However, the Warriors turned quite a few heads in the preseason when they won 6 of their 7 preseason games and exhibited a young and talented roster that was capable of playing together and contributing on a regular basis. And considering the fact that they were playing without Andrew Bogut and Stephen Curry, it was a big achievement for the Warriors.
Looking towards this season, the Warriors know that they cannot compete in the Western Conference without their two star players, and hence are anxiously waiting for the return of Bogut and Curry. And they were given good news when Bogut practised with the team on two consecutive days without suffering any setback. Bogut spent much of the offseason as well as the preseason recovering from his injury, and did not play in any of the preseason games. However, after practising with the team on back to back days, the team is now hopeful that he will be available for their season opener on Wednesday night, although no final decision has been taken yet.
Warriors Head Coach Mark Jackson knows the importance of Bogut to the team, particularly to the front court and hence, is anxiously waiting for his return. While talking to Rusty Simmons from the San Francisco Chronicle, he said that Bogut will be handled very carefully considering the importance he holds for the team.
“He responded well. Now it’s about getting treatment. We’ll play (Wednesday) by ear. He did exactly what we needed him to do. In an ideal world, I’d love to know (if he was going to play) right now, but this is what we’re dealing with. We’re going to be very cautious with when he steps on the floor. We’re going to be smart with this thing, understanding that we need him for the long haul – not just (Wednesday) night,” said Jackson.
Andrew Bogut and Stephen Curry hold the key to the Warriors upcoming season, and the success of the team will largely depend on how healthy these two players can be over the course of the season, given the injury troubles they have suffered over the past few years.
Tags: