The Golden State Warriors’ draft day decision-making might be an indictment on Andrew Bogut.
The Warriors selected Vanderbilt center Damian Jones in the first round (30th overall) of the 2016 NBA Draft, which league sources told CSNBayArea.com’s Monte Poole is an indication of Golden State’s growing frustration with Bogut, who could be moved if the team signs star free agent Kevin Durant.
If the Warriors succeed in landing Durant, they’ll need to shed salary and, according to Poole, they’d like to trade Bogut as much — if not more — than any other player on their roster. Golden State reportedly is frustrated with Bogut’s unreliability, especially in times of greatest need.
Bogut missed the final two games of the NBA Finals after suffering a left knee injury in Game 5 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He has battled injuries at several points throughout his 11-year career, including during his last four seasons with Golden State, but the 31-year-old center’s injury history is just a small part of the Warriors’ annoyance, sources told Poole. Golden State apparently wasn’t too thrilled with Bogut’s playoff performance even before he went down against the Cavs.
With Jones joining the mix in last week’s draft, the Warriors could end up getting rid of either Bogut or backup big man Festus Ezeli. If that’s the case, two sources told Poole they believe the Warriors would prefer to keep Ezeli.
Bogut, who was drafted first overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2005, averaged 5.4 points, 7 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in 20.7 minutes per game in 70 regular-season contests this past season.
Thumbnail photo via Kelley L Cox/USA TODAY Sports Images
