NBA Finals Player Preview: Andrew Bogut
Cleveland’s three-point shooting may push Andrew Bogut towards irrelevancy in the NBA Finals, but he can still contribute in several key ways.
Stephen Curry is a magician on and off the ball. When off-ball in particular, he has a plethora of big men who can set screens and help initiate the ball movement their offense is predicated on. Andrew Bogut, starting center for the Golden State Warriors, sets the screens, provides toughness, and helps establish a defensive and rebounding identity. He’s also a great passer from the pinch, initiating the dribble handoffs and supporting the Warriors’ player movement philosophy. However, don’t expect the big man to play a pivotal role in the NBA Finals.
During the Golden State Warriors Game 7 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, Bogut was taken out of the game early in the third quarter. The Warriors would then take over the game with their small-ball lineup, inserting Andre Iguodala. They reverted to their “Death Lineup” identity, forcing turnovers, switching on every screen, funneling ball-handlers and shooters away from the middle, and attacking in transition. The versatility displayed, combined with marvelous shooting, propelled the Warriors to a 3-1 series comeback and rewarded them an opportunity to defeat the Cavaliers for a second straight season.
Bogut, who has played in all 17 postseason games, is averaging 5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and almost 2 assists in 18 minutes per game. He still averaged around 18.3 minutes per game versus the Thunder, but Steve Kerr was quick to pull the plug and switch to a smaller lineup once Oklahoma City switched to Ibaka or Adams at center.
The Cavaliers have been successful utilizing LeBron James’ passing ability and surrounding him with four shooters. Also, they’ve been closing games with Channing Frye and Kevin Love on the front line. Bogut found it difficult defending Ibaka or Kanter as they hovered towards the perimeter. If the Cavaliers continue to move the basketball, finding the high percentage opportunities, Bogut’s playing time will continue to decline and his impact mitigated.
If Tristan Thompson continues to dominate the offensive glass and accumulate multiple defensive rebounds, Steve Kerr may keep Bogut on the floor to make it harder for Thompson to establish position. However, that move is a trade-off.
In last year’s NBA Finals, Bogut would guard the Cavaliers’ worst three-point shooter. However, Cleveland, as a team, has been fantastic from behind the arc. The Cavaliers also have a healthy Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving, opening up more offensive versatility and spacing. Despite the Cavs’ offensive prowess, don’t discount Andrew Bogut from making an impact defensively. His rim protection was effective against Russell Westbrook in the WCF, and it’ll be even more essential was a crafty and efficient Kyrie Irving.
Bogut’s screening ability against smaller guards in Dellavedova and Irving will free up Curry and Thompson to more open looks, and his wide frame and strength will allow him to hinder Tristan Thompson from camping on the boards. If Cleveland is able to assert the three-ball, Bogut may not see much time, but don’t disregard his ability to alter shots and anchor the elite Golden State defense.
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