The Golden State Warriors are a popular preseason pick to take the next step as a team and win the Western Conference in 2013-14.
The team has built a roster that features several quality young players, including Stephen Curry, Harrison Barnes and Klay Thompson. One veteran who is immensely important to the Warriors’ success is center Andrew Bogut, and according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports, the team and the Australian center have agreed to a new three-year contract.
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The current generation of the NBA lacks great centers, and this is why teams need to lock up the top players at this position long-term if they are able to find one through the draft or via trade.
Bogut has all the talent needed to be a top-five center in the NBA. His shot-blocking ability, low-post defense and size makes him a fantastic interior defender. He also has career averages of 12.2 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game. With that said, his health and ability to play a full season are concerns given his history of injuries. The 28-year-old last played a full 82-game season as a rookie in 2005-06.
If Bogut is able to remain healthy for the entire 2013-14 season, the Warriors could make their first NBA Finals appearance since Rick Barry led the franchise to its first championship in 1974-75.
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