If Signed, Would Bogut Start?
By Adam Miller
First let me just say that I expect the Boston Celtics to sign Andrew Bogut.
Rumors have been swirling around that there are 4 teams vying for the big man. Adam Himmelsbach of the Boston Globe recently reported that the Celtics have had ‘preliminary’ talks with Bogut.
While there are several viable options on the free agent market, I believe the C’s will focus on Bogut. I mean, we already know the two sides are interested in one another.
When Bogut was bought out by the Philadelphia 76ers, he had his choice of the team he would go to. Of the number of suitors, the big man narrowed his decision down to two teams: the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics.
Bogut may not have chose the Celtics then, but his agent’s comments following his signing with the Cavs indicate he may be interested now.
"I just want to want so stress how close it was, because Brad and Danny did a hell of a job with this thing,” he said. “Andrew got to know Brad and Danny a little more in the process and was really impressed, so we’re really excited for [the start of free agency] on July 1. – David Bauman of ISE Sports"
Based on this, we are going to assume that Bogut will be playing for the Boston Celtics this upcoming season. Now the question becomes, would Bogut start for the Boston Celtics?
First off, Bogut would immediately give the Celtics an elite rebounding presence. Last season, Bogut ranked 4th in defensive rebounding percentage among qualifying players — Andre Drummond, Hassan Whiteside and DeAndre Jordan are the only players ahead on him. Last year the Celtics only had one player in the top-100 for defensive rebounding percentage (for those wondering it was Kelly Olyknk at 90th).
Bogut is also a solid passer, something Brad Stevens loves in big men. This past season he ranked within the top-20 centers for assist percentage at 12.3. With the loss of solid passing big men like Amir Johnson and Olyknk, this is key for the big guy.
Finally we can address his defensive impact. For years, the Celtics have desperately needed a shot-blocker. Bogut might just be that guy. This past season he ranked within the top-50 for block percentage at 3.9. He also finished in the top-5 of the league for defensive plus/minus at 5.3. His defensive ability on the low-post would absolutely give the Celtics something they have sorely missed since the departure of Kevin Garnett.
So it seems pretty clear, right? Bogut should start if he sign with the Celtics.
Not so fast. There still are some issues with this thought.
First, Bogut has been susceptible to injuries his entire career, and now that he’s aging it may wise to give him a more limited role off the bench.
Additionally, the Celtics already acquired a similar, younger player this offseason. Aron Baynes seems to be everything Bogut is, but younger. One could even make the case that Baynes is a better defender as evidence by his 98.5 defensive rating, which ranks 4th in the league.
Next: Boston Celtics: Deep or Short Rotation?
Last there’s the question if Stevens wants to go with a small-ball lineup. In this, Al Horford would play center with Marcus Morris as the team’s power forward. This would allow the Celtics to space opponents out, opening up driving lanes for their guards and wings.
There’s a solid case for and against Bogut starting if he decides to come to Beantown, so what do you think?
Let me know your take in the comments below!