Just before 8:00 p.m. EST today, the NBA’s defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers announced that they have agreed to a deal that brings Andrew Bogut, who recently reached a contract buyout agreement with the Philadelphia 76ers, to Northeast Ohio. Shams Charania of The Vertical and Yahoo Sports first broke the news.
Sources: Andrew Bogut strongly considered Houston and Boston, made decision on Cleveland tonight. He's expected to sign this weekend.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 1, 2017
Over the course of his 12 year NBA career, Bogut, a 32-year-old true seven-footer and former number one overall selection in the 2005 draft by the Milwaukee Bucks, has averaged 10.0 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.6 blocks in 29.1 minutes per game.
Adding Bogut, an NBA champion (2015) with four years of playoff experience, should have a major impact on Cleveland’s front-court rotation. He’ll likely come off the bench for Tristan Thompson. However, the duo of centers could be utilized in two-big sets during certain scenarios.
As many people know, Bogut was a member of the 2015 NBA Champion Golden State Warriors as well as the 2016 Warriors team that set a regular season record with 73 wins, but failed to win the NBA Championship as the Cavs ended their 52-year championship drought. Despite his worrisome injury history, there’s no doubt Bogut’s presence on the floor is always felt with his hard screen-setting, defense at the rim, and his great court-vision for a seven-footer.
As Charania reported, Bogut is expected to officially sign sometime this weekend. Cavs fans may have had some very unpleasant memories of Bogut, but it’s time to welcome him with open arms as he helps Cleveland’s pursuit for a second-straight championship.