Bogut to be giant influence for Kings
ANDREW Bogut is set to galvanise the star-studded Sydney Kings’ “Dad’s Army” with his passing and talking, as much as his offence and famed defensive prowess.
Former NBA title-winning centre Bogut will have his first hitout in a Kings uniform in Friday’s pre-season game against Japan in Sydney.
“He’s come in pretty good shape – he’s just getting his touch back,” Kings’ swingman Brad Newley said. “He helps us so much on defence and offence and just his presence.”
While Bogut didn’t need to be a big scorer in his last few NBA seasons, Sydney expects to more fully exploit his offensive talents and passing ability.
“He’s still got a lot of touch around the basket,” Newley said. “He shoots the ball a lot better than people probably think and he’s a very good passer, so it’s more than just the scoring what he can do, it’s the creating. You don’t take your eye off the ball otherwise you’ll get one in the back of the head because he’ll throw it.
“He’s a great passer and once we get Jerome (Randle) and Kev (Lisch) coming off his screens – he’s a great screen setter too, so he’s a huge asset to have. (Daniel) Kickert as well, he’s a fantastic player too and he spreads the floor. I’ve known him for a long time, so it’s a bit like Dad’s Army out there, but it’s a lot of fun.”
Newley and Bogut, who played together in a junior world championship-winning team are both 33, Kickert 35, Kevin Lisch 32 and Randle 31.
Bogut hasn’t been shy in getting his messages across.
“What I like is he’s very strong with telling things, he’ll tell me things and I’ll respect it,” Newley said.