Golden State Warriors center Andrew Bogut made his NBA return on Monday against the San Antonio Spurs after a one-year absence from the league.
The 34-year-old Australian started for the Warriors and produced relatively well, pitching in seven points and seven rebounds in 19 minutes of action. Bogut's return was also greeted with a rude awakening, with the seven-footer being called for an early offensive foul due to an illegal screen.
The Athletic's Anthony Slater shared a tweet on Bogut's jovial take on the quick foul, stating that he wanted to set an aggressive tone in his first game back in the NBA:
Andrew Bogut on the illegal screen nine seconds into his debut: “That’s a welcome to the league. We know you set hard screens, so we’re going to blow one early.” pic.twitter.com/Wdd5XG1QjV
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) March 19, 2019
Andrew Bogut might have overextended with his illegal screen, given he was probably more accustomed to a different style of play back in Australia. The reigning NBL MVP and Defensive Player of the Year was out to prove he can still hang with the big boys of the NBA, but his first crack at being tough enough was apparently too tough in the refs' eyes.
Nonetheless, having a defensive enforcer such as Bogut back on the team will do Golden State wonders. The team needs a sound interior presence to make up for DeMarcus Cousins' defensive shortcomings. Bogut's playoff experience and rekindled chemistry with his former title-winning teammates are huge boosts for the entire roster.
Unfortunately, the Warriors lost to the Spurs Monday evening, 111-105, leaving a sour taste for Bogut's reintroduction to the NBA.
Perhaps the crafty veteran will have a much better (and cleaner) performance in his first return to Oracle Arena on Friday, when the Warriors host the Indiana Pacers. Dubs fans in attendance for that game will surely give him a rousing ovation back in the Bay Area.
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