Wow!!

What a huge coup for the Kings and the NBL!! Who are some remaining free agency pieces that could compliment the big fella in Sydney??? I don't think the Bullets have put pen to paper with Kickert yet? Could fit in well given his deficiencies on D and rebounding which are two of Bogut’s huge strengths.

"Sydney kings now equal favourites for the ship"

Why? The guy has hardly played in recent years and prior to that was a role player for about 3 years. He will be able to block shots and rebound however I don't expect his offense to be that dominate and think teams will run pick and roles against him to exploit his speed.

It is great to have him in the league but he could be another Andersen that plays limited minutes and has his vulnerabilities like all other players.

Massive!!

Favourites ... until he gets injured again

Love Bogut, but I have a bad feeling about this one. Like I said in the last Bogut thread, hard to see him contributing as much as his pay would imply at this point of his career. Happy to be proven wrong, though.

Kickert is off to Europe

I love that the Kings continue to overpay for players that are past it.

That said, huge that Bogut is back in the NBL.

Bogut will be coach, not Gaze

This is big...he will be able to compensate for Randle's D.

Health is a big question mark.

Wonder how much he is getting?

I don't want to hear what you think of Randle's D. Jesus

Randle, Lisch, Newely, Bogut. Going to be tough to beat. What can they afford to put around them? An NBL team, even with good backing, would struggle to pay for more than those 4.
Great for the league as it sells tickets and memberships and may open up a few fringe guys for hawks and Taipans.

If he can stay fit his playmaking could be invaluable. Also as a screener for lisch and randle, hes huge

"Bogut will be coach, not Gaze"

Yet another coup for Sydney!

Andrew Bogut signs with Sydney Kings

:O

In dot point form, please tell us why it would kill, or even tarnish, his legacy?

"Why? The guy has hardly played in recent years and prior to that was a role player for about 3 years. He will be able to block shots and rebound however I don't expect his offense to be that dominate and think teams will run pick and roles against him to exploit his speed. "

All things people were saying before the Rio Olympics.

"Legacy just died by signing. Be lucky to average 10p and 5r in nbl. Such a shame. Better have an NBA out"

Oh so you expect him to put up Nnanna Egwu numbers? You're out of your mind.

-

Sorry but Bogut will out class every other center in the league. He is bigger, stronger, and STILL more athletic than almost all of them. You say he isn't an offensive threat. Well, he wasn't an offensive threat in the NBA. He was offensively quite fine in the Olympics. Just because NBA teams didn't seek to use his offense does not mean he doesn't have any.

What a coup for the Kings.

A broken down has been who has less in the tank than David Andersen when he signed with United.

Cheer during player intros. Boo during game.
:P

I don't think there is any doubt (apart from the trolls) that he’ll do well if he stays healthy. Just have to look at what fringe NBA players (like Cotton) or just retired (Childress) have done in the NBL. The NBA is so far above the NBL in talent that he’ll win his matchup most days. Guys like Brandt, Boone and Jawai (if healthy) may match him for size but he’ll win out on the mental side.

Congrats to Sydney on this signing I thought he would end up at United.
He will still be a force I'm thinking 15ppg, 8-10reb.

This is great news. For the sake of the league hopefully he stays injury free and sydney dont find a way to stuff this up!

Agree that he'll be the most dominant center by a country mile. The whole league will have to improve in light of this.

ME "He was offensively quite fine in the Olympics. Just because NBA teams didn't seek to use his offense does not mean he doesn't have any."

^ this is truth.

Compare per minute stats for Anstey NBA vs NBL ,
Compare per minute stats for Bairstow NBA vs NBL
Compare per minute stats for Bradtke NBA vs NBL

for the bigs, they are two different leagues, compete in one, dominate the other.

Bogut will dominate IMHO

Lol well said anon above, contradiction there for sure!

My first reaction is who here doesn't want to see 10k fans at every Kings home game?

Marketing ploy or not I can't wait to see Bogut when he gets to Perth and whilst I'd love him to be a Wildcat I know that the fuckwit WA government built a stadium that could only fit a few hundred more fans than most games last year but Bogut in Sydney could raise it 5-10k depending on success of the team.

Sydney will be a fun team to watch especially if Newley is aggressive as they have too many weapons to double team anyone.

Totally agree with a few posts above about Bogut playing for Australia compared to NBA, same as watching Baynes for Boomers and you watch him playing for Celtics and they don't get him the ball down low enough. Bogut I'd imagine will be an exceptional learning tool for all our opposition centres if healthy.

I love Ogilvy but I can't wait to see Hawks vs Kings and Bogut schooling Ogilvy... but if Ogilvy brings it then that will be excellent too... only way of disappointing is if Ogilvy is a ghost and Bogut is on minute management.

No win scenario for Bogut?

He's a proven winner, easily in our top handful of men players this country has produced, he's richer than basically anyone on this site will ever be and he should be seeing this as a challenge and this is him giving back.

How many athletes from various sports go to AIS and don't give back to the Australian public ? This is his chance to do that and in game we may give him a few raspberries, he will get a massive cheer pregame for everything he has said in defending our country and what he stands for and he has represented us impeccably and if not for those injuries then his standing would be all the more greater

awesome signing for the league if he can stay healthy.
he'll surprise for his age due to IQ/court awareness and excellent passing game.

I expect that he won't put up ridiculously huge numbers; but will play a very good game and a very efficient game i.e. 15&10 type of player with high FG %, good passing, screening etc.

Pretty decent he has decided to play in the NBL, i'm guessing he would have had offers from Europe, the interest this will provide for the league from the media will far out way how he performs, as long as they are talking about the NBL in the media it can only be a good thing for the league.

Which team will have a centre that can match him inside the key in isolation ?. He will be a tough cover, and he is a very good passer, we have seen that in the NBA. Teams may have to change who they had pegged for an import spot now.

Is Cadee regretting leaving the Kings now?? This signing makes up for his loss now!!

I assume he'll have an NBA 'out’ clause, so he may not even see out the season if a better offer comes along

NBL rookie of the year....

There would be an NBA out clause so why wouldnt you play in Australia and get minutes. He would probably be more appealing to NBA teams this way rather than just trying to stay fit in America.

He will put up slightly better than Nana Egwu numbers not much I am saying 10points 10 rebounds 3 assists 2 blocks he will serve Sydney well and as a Kings fan II feel its a huge upgrade on what we had last year with. Tyler, Singh, and Hump. Although it would have been good for hump to stay around a learn from the tutelage of Bogut this year I feel.

I think numbers similar to Boone would be about right. He's not as mobile as Boone, but has a higher bball IQ and will be too physical for most defenders.

Other than being from Melbourne, it didn't make much sense for Bogut to go to United.
Boone is a proven gun in the NBL and deserves to remain the first choice big man at United.

Bogut's impact will depend on how much he’s slowed down.

The NBL isn’t suited to genuine bigs. The up and down pace and the referees are not friendly towards players of Bogut’s type. Boone did average about 15ppg, but don’t forget that probably 5 or 6 of those 15 points were from fast breaks- Boone is a master at running the lanes, but Bogut isn't as quick and won’t get those baskets.

And I wouldn’t be surprised if Bogut struggles with foul trouble and game pace- just like Andersen has.

Having said all that, Bogut will be a fierce rim protector, a beast on the rebounds, and he’ll use his post passing skills to perfection- getting plenty of looks for all the Kings shooters. And he’ll play an unstoppable pick and roll game with Lisch or Randle.

I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see Bogut average 15 points, 10 boards, 3 assists, 1.5 blocks and be the all NBL first team Centre. But again, it’ll ultimately depend on his health and how much he’s slowed down. Bogut has joined the NBL 3 or 4 years earlier than most predicted. Is this for lifestyle reasons and because he’s got a kid on the way, or has he decided that his body can’t take the rigours of an 82 game season, he knows he's dropped off the pace and can’t really contribute in the NBA any more? Only Bogut really knows the answer to that question.

I share that LK theory

LK is looking to sell United- so he doesn't have as much incentive to see them win another title.

Sydney sport fans are notoriously fickle, and are more likely to have stars in their eyes at Bogut’s signing. No doubt there’s more upside for the NBL with Bogut being in Sydney than Melbourne. It’ll make more difference to ticket sales and basketball buzz in Sydney than it would’ve in Melbourne.

I wanted to see Bogut sign with United cos I love watching him play. And even though United has Boone, you always take your Aussies first and sign your imports last. You build NBL teams around Aussies, not imports. If United had the chance to sign Bogut to a multi-year deal they would’ve been stupid not to do it.

But - the NBL is better off with Bogut in Sydney. So I’m sure LK won’t mind at all.

Is there anything left in the kitty to complete the rest of the roster?

Rumour has it Kings players were being asked to take pay cuts to be able to bring Bogut on board.

They would currently be sitting at a salary of something like this;

Randle: $400K +
Lisch: $300K +
Newley: $300K +
Bogut: $400K +

That's at least $1.4M for 4 players...how much more do they spend, what sort of imports do they get from here, how do they round out the roster from here?

Thankfully the tax concession rule comes into play for teams like Cairns and Illawarra....ohhh wait...

Just putting it out there, any chance this signing (so early in the off season, before NBA teams are even allowed to start making offers) is just for publicity and he'll take his NBA out clause as soon as a decent NBA offer comes his way?

I'm not saying its a bad thing - while the nbl is currently negotiating a new tv deal it is great timing. I just still think there's at close to a 50/50 chance he doesn't end up playing NBL this season

+1 to that

During the lock out Bogut played the NBL for his own benefit and then cited a no insurance issue as being the reason why he couldn't play. It didn't stop any other NBA guys playing around the world yet it stopped him.

From memory he did sign with Sydney and went through all the PR and media.

I would be very surprised too if he actually suits up.

Isn't he in the country because there are some medical issues in his family? He's already said he wants to play NBA if he gets a call-up, but he's taken himself off the market during the season to be with family here. Perhaps this is just a way to make coin while being close to family before trying to get back to the NBA? I have no doubt he's got an NBA out-clause.

Who knows. We're all just speculating.

What's the best case scenario for Bogut in the NBA anyway? He goes and does some workouts in June/July, impresses, and scores a 2 year deal for $15 mil? Or perhaps a 1 year deal for $5mil with a team option on year 2?

Given his age and recent injury history, I couldn't see any team taking a risk with a long term deal, or splashing too much cash his way.

Bogut would have invested his money well. He's earned $117mil USD over his career. So money probably isn't his number one consideration, especially with a kid on the way.

Maybe he's planning on doing a few NBA workouts and seeing how things go, and in the absence of a reasonable deal, he'll go play NBL.

I mean if he got offered the veteran minimum, or if he got offered $3milUSD or something, given he's probably got so much cash stashed away in investments and might be valuing the lifestyle factor, there's every chance he might not think it's worth it.

Come on the Lakers waived Bogut so they wouldn't have to guarantee his vet min contract for the rest of the season. After that no NBA team offered him a contract.

There would be likely be an NBA out clause but I don't think the Kings need to be too worried about it being exercised.

Yes - though the word you're looking for is daylight.

Great for the comp.

Sydney rolling the die on being able to secure some complimentary players and that Bogut stays healthy enough to play 3/4 of the season and play offs.

If I was Sydney I would of tried to keep this on the down low for a bit longer, would have been great to build some hype a little closer to the season when people are thinking memberships.

I also think it gives teams like the Cats time to re-think the import strategy in regards to having another big body.

The only way Bogut's game does not translate to one of dominance is if his body does not hold up....I'd take that risk.

I see a lot of people complaining just to be contrarians. The league is good, but it isn't that good that an NBA veteran center like Bogut won't come here and basically make it his play ground. Center is probably the weakest position in the league. He's going to be like a T Rex in a kindy playing center in NBL.

Still surprising even with Heal's little hint. They kept this one secret pretty well. I think minimal chance of him leaving mid-season if they go well. If they implode & an offer came in early 2019, there may be a chance he pulls the plug. Unlikely though IMHO.

Talking about stats is probably misleading. His size, presence & IQ is such that he may statistically look ordinary but he can impact a game tremendously with key plays. His passing ability will make guarding Newley & Blanchfield a nightmare when they quick cut from the perimeter. He will be tough to contain on so many levels.

I think this is a great thing for the Kings and the NBL, especially with, as mentioned above, Sydney being the ultimate bandwagon city... they need hype and names and a reason to schlep out to Homebush, but Bogut is a big enough name to do that on a large scale...

No-one REALLY knows how he will go until he gets out on the court... At least with Bogut, he has a varied skillset that he can contribute across the board, great passer and no matter what his twitter game gives the impression of, is a smart ball player... The refs is a big question mark I think, as we all know how they can't officiate bigs, but will this force the NBL to make some positive changes to how they ref which will be great for the league as a whole, or is Bogues a big enough name to get some star calls that only apply to him? The NBL can't have such a huge spotlight of him siting on the bench due to a bunch of crap calls...

I think if he can stay healthy in a shorter, less intense season, it can only be a good thing for all involved and anyone suggesting it will tarnish his legacy is talking out of their arse... It's great that he sees that as just adding to it and being able to give back to the sport in his home country...

This is also great way to bring up the Aaron Bruce vs Home Away Twitter saga. So much drama for LK to promote!

Seriously though he should be averaging 15-20 points, 10+ boards, 5+ assists, and a couple blocks. If you double him he gets an assist, if you don't he likely scores. Kings will be a match up nightmare.

Sydney 2018/19

Randle, Wilson
Lisch,?
Newley,Blanchfield
* import?,Pineau.
Bogut, ?
Have I missed anyone?

Yes he is

I would look at bringing back Perry Ellis and then a backup Centre type like Delvon Johnson who would come cheap.

I think Perry Ellis would be a slimmer chance of returning now. Money is tighter for one & his current agent is more Euro-centric. Unless Bogut's pay is modest, they likely can only afford 1 more decent import to go with 3 budget signings.

Just my speculation, their likely lineup:

Randle / (Naar or Kenny)

Lisch / Wilson

Newley / Blanchfield

(Import PF) / Pineau / (Mitch Young)

Bogut / (Singh)

Possibly Garlepp instead of Singh as well. If they nab bigger names like Kickert, pretty sure there may be even more outcry.

Wasn't Blanchfield's contract conditional on him starting, hence all the lineup problems last season?

Him, Lisch and Randle looks great on paper and I hope for the league it stays on the court - but the percentages say otherwise likely Lisch goes down again and Bogut is almost certainly getting injured at some point

As a fan of the league, I'm absolutely thrilled.

As a Wildcats supporter looking at a back court of Lisch/Randle and a front court with Bogut...

*screams externally*

Could they pay half his Salary as Assistant so that he can sit on the bench when injured with Gaze's other 15 assistants?

Gaze has two main assistants in KenDoll and Copes, and I think maybe Pineau? I'm all for giving Gaze shit, but next time pick something credible, yeah?

If they nab bigger names like Kickert, pretty sure there may be even more outcry.

You can lose a good chunk of IQ googling those garbage sites #832. I've never understood the need for such childish satire, if you can even call it that.

Not quite sure if we'll get to see Landale in the NBL this season Wookiee. Europe is very likely where he'll land. I don't think the paycut rumour is of any major substance either. More likely some of those out of contract were offered lower amounts than their previous ones.

I hope that Sydney sign someone like Mitch Young, the idea that they'd have Amritpal Singh backing him up is just asking for trouble, I'm not against Singh as I'm sure he could learn so much from Bogut but I think this squad needs a backup Centre and another C/PF along with Pineau as contingency plans for Bogut and his availability (injury/NBA)

Bogut press conference stream

After 13 seasons in the NBA, he also became sick of the travel and is determined to settle and spend more time with his young family.

This is why Bogut's Sydney contract doesn’t have NBA or European out-clauses.

For the next two seasons, he is fully committed to delivering the Kings success.
http://www.news.com.au/sport/basketball/andrew-bogut-my-nba-career-is-over-plus-how-the-sydney-kings-vision-secured-my-signature/news-story/6a303dc224c2f6c3ea0c6932f9d74da0


"This is my official retirement from the NBA," Bogut told The Daily Telegraph.

“I have no want to go back there, regardless of offers that I get.

“In fact, I don’t have an NBA out in my contract.

“I purposely did that out of respect to Sydney in doing this deal.

“I have no goal to return to the NBA and return to the States.

Wookie E
Sure I saw Phil Smyth wandering around with Gaze as well.
I don't think he was looking for a game

Wookie E
Sure I saw Phil Smyth wandering around with Gaze as well.
I don't think he was looking for a game