Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson may get most of the national publicity (and rightfully so), but Golden State Warriors big man Andrew Bogut and his defense are a prime reason why the team is making its first NBA Finals appearance in 40 years. With that in mind, here's 5 Things You Should Know About Andrew Bogut.
1. He Patterned His Game After Toni Kukoc
Before a growth spurt shot him into legitimate NBA center territory, teenage Andrew Bogut felt this his bet for basketball success would be as a swingman. Looking to make himself as useful as he could in as many different roles as possible, Bogut looked to former Chicago Bulls utility threat Toni Kukoc for inspiration.
"Up until I was 16, I had a similar body to Toni when he came (to the U.S.) -- very skinny, very wiry," Bogut said. "He could handle the ball, pass and shoot. I liked to do all those things. He was a guy who wasn't the strongest beast, but he was very, very skilled."
2. Croatia Holds A Special Place In Bogut's Heart
Wonder why Bogut was so drawn to Toni "The Croatian Sensation" Kukoc as a kid? Although he was born and raised in Melbourne, Bogut's parents (Michael and Anne) are native Croatians who immigrated to Australia from then-Yugoslavia back in the 1970s.
"My whole family is Croatian for as far as we look back on both sides," Bogut said, before turning his attention back to Kukoc.
"He was kind of an inspiration for a lot of the country," Bogut adds.
3. He's Not The Biggest Fan Of Dwight Howard's Game
Or least in didn't seem so following Howard's technical foul in Houston's series-ending Game 5 loss on Wednesday.
"There was some physicality there (with Houston), like any playoff series, but the Memphis series was more physical,” Bogut said wryly after Friday’s practice. “This was more about ducking and weaving and getting out of the way of aired fists and elbows."
4. Bogut's Shot Blocking Is A Science
Those who think the towering Aussie became an all-world shot blocker and restricted-area defender based on size alone don't know just how much film study Bogut puts into his craft.
"It's a lot about timing: Getting there early," Bogut said. "I'm athletic, but I'm not the most athletic guy by any means. Basketball IQ plays a part in it. As a big guy, if you get there late, you're going to get guys who try to dunk on you."
5. His Game Has Morphed Since His Arrival To Golden State
In each of the six years prior to his move from Milwaukee to Oakland, Bogut averaged double digits in points per game in an average of 30-32 minutes per contest. He's seen his usage rate drop by over 20% during his time in Golden State, and thus the most he's averaged scoring-wise with the Dubs is 7.3 ppg last season. However, Bogut isn't a primary offensive weapon like he was in Milwaukee, and his all-around defensive metrics remain fantastic as the team saves his legs for clutch moments.
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