Bogut buys into NBL

NBA star determined to make ‘world-class’ Kings deal work

BASKETBALL: Andrew Bogut has promised to both “win games and sell tickets” after being officially unveiled by the Sydney Kings in a landmark day for the NBL.

Bogut, a veteran of 13 NBA seasons, has signed a two-year deal in what’s being described as the biggest coup in the history of the competition.

The Boomers star, 33, said while he would be getting paid less than he could have earned in the NBA, the incentive of part ownership of the club had helped get the “world-class” deal across the line.

Bogut said he wanted to return to Australia while he was still playing at a high level.

“I’m here to win games. This isn’t an exercise where I’m just here to sell tickets,” Bogut said in Sydney yesterday.

“We want to win games and sell tickets. I’m still a basketball player and I want to get this team and this franchise back to where it belongs.

“I’m here for the long haul, for the two years.

“There’s no NBA outs, no European outs in my deal. I’m committed to be here for two years and that’s very important to put out there.

Bogut revealed he came extremely close to playing in Australia in 2012 during the NBA lockout and described negotiations this time around as “world-class”.

“It was an NBA-level negotiation. It was more of a partnership,” Bogut said.

“I’m not just saying that. All media know I’m pretty honest and straightforward and this was a world-class handling of this negotiation.”

Bogut revealed the incentive of a future 10% stake in the club as part of his contract, with the opportunity to purchase a larger share in the future.

NBL owner Larry Kestelman described the signing of Bogut as a “game changer” for the competition.

“It feels like we’re in an amazing place right now and we’ve only just begun,” he said.

Sydney Kings coach Andrew Gaze thought his chairman was joking when told he’d be mentoring Bogut this season.

“This is the greatest coup in the history of the NBL,” Gaze said. “It’s not only a huge day for the Kings but for the entire Australian sports community.

“When the managing director told me he had signed Bogut, I thought he was joking.

“Instead, he has given me a unique opportunity to work with one of the greatest players Australia has ever produced.”

– with AAP