Kings happy to keep Bogut either way
VOWING not to pressure Andrew Bogut as he decides whether to play on, Sydney Kings owner Paul Smith says he’ll be just as happy with the veteran centre assuming his part ownership of the NBL franchise if he retires.
The former NBA star will be 36 in November and is off contract following two seasons with Sydney.
A big question mark hangs over his future, especially now the coronavirus crisis has forced the Olympic Games postponement, as well as shutting down the NBA and NBL.
Last week he raised doubts over whether he would continue for one more year after battling through an injury-dogged NBL season.
Bogut won the NBL MVP award in 2018-19 and while back issues hampered him at stages this season, he remained an influential figure, especially in the first two matches of the abandoned grand final series.
Asked about trying to get Bogut to play one more season, Smith said: “Andrew makes those decisions, we don’t.
“It’s not about money from our side or money from his side. It’s about him wanting to do the right thing by himself, by his family and his peace of mind.
‘We’re equally delighted to have him coming in as a part owner of the club.”
When Bogut signed for Sydney, part of the deal was he would take at least a 10 per cent stake in the club once retired.
The Kings opted not to continue playing in the grand final series beyond game three of the best-of-five series due to health concerns related to the coronavirus pandemic.
“We will be a club in the future that players know that we have their best interests at heart, that we will make tough decisions that preserve the players’ health and wellbeing,” Smith said.