Andrew Bogut of the Golden State Warriors was finally able to practice. But that doesn’t mean much, which is actually a good thing.
According Ron Kroichick of the San Francisco Chronicle, Bogut participated in a limited capacity at practice, yet that doesn’t mean he’ll be ready to open the season:
Stephen Curry did not practice Thursday, six days ahead of the season opener in Phoenix. Andrew Bogut did, in a limited way – some drills here, a little 5-on-5 action there.
That doesn’t necessarily mean Bogut, still rehabbing his left ankle, will be ready to play Wednesday night. His ankle was wrapped in ice as he left the court.
“He looked very good, but we’re not going to rush him,” Jackson said. “He’s too important to this team. We don’t need him for one or two games – we need him for as many games as possible.”
There’s no doubt that Golden State has to be frustrated. Since acquiring Bogut last March, he hasn’t played in a single game for the Warriors, courtesy of his fragile left ankle. And after trading a talented scorer like Monta Ellis to obtain him, it’s been anything but easy watching the big man sit on the sidelines.
Yet despite such frustrations, despite such urges to get Bogut onto the court and into a game, Golden State has opted not to rush its center back. Which is huge.
Bringing Bogut back too early isn’t good for anyone, because before the Warriors know it, he’ll be right back where he started, on the injured list.
The former first overall pick of the 2005 NBA draft has not played in more than 69 games over the past four years and appeared in just 12 last season. Such a track record dictates his team be patient in his rehabilitation, so that he stands a better chance of not perpetuating what has become an underwhelming career.
And if you’re the Warriors that’s extremely difficult.
Bogut is their future, the pillar that is supposed to help them return to postseason prominence. Not being able to insert him into the lineup must be killing Mark Jackson and company, potentially more so than Stephen Curry’s absence has.
But at a time when Golden State could be reckless, when it could rush Bogut’s rehab and prematurely throw him on the court, it hasn’t.
Instead, it is playing if safe—or rather, smart. Giving him adequate time to heal ensures that he will be fully healthy, or as healthy as he can be, upon is return.
It ensures that their future is as stable as possible.
So, as tough as it might be to continue to delay his debut, the Warriors are doing everything right.
Both for Bogut, and their future.
Dan Favale is an avid basketball analyst and firm believer in the three-pointer as well as the notion that defense doesn’t always win championships. His work can be found at Bleacherreport.com in addition to TheHoopDoctors.com. Follow @danfavale on Twitter for his latest posts and all things NBA.
