Bogut prepares to debut in NBA
The jury is still out on Andrew Bogut as the NBA's No.1 draft pick prepares to make his debut for Milwaukee against Allen Iverson's Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday morning Australian time.
With critics questioning Bogut's ability to become a long-term star in the NBA and speculation rife he will start the season on the bench, Bucks coach Terry Stotts has raised concerns over his defensive capabilities.
In the annual poll of NBA general managers released last week, Bogut was a clear favourite for rookie of the year.
But when asked which rookie will be the best player in five years, Bogut (16.7 per cent) lagged well behind No.2 draft pick Marvin Williams (37.5 per cent).
Many critics believe the Bucks erred with their choice and should have chosen former North Carolina stand-out Williams.
Adding to the speculation over Bogut's potential, Milwaukee last week traded Desmond Mason to New Orleans for free agent centre Jamaal Magloire.
Magloire, a five-year veteran, is now expected to start ahead of Bogut, who is also likely to lose the starting power forward position to veteran Joe Smith.
Stotts told AFP, Bogut will improve as better players are brought into the club, but did question the 213cm centre's ability on defence.
"His skills will be accentuated when you put better players around him and his passing will become better when you have more scoring threats around him," Stotts said.
"My concern for him is the progress he shows at the defensive end."
Post a comment about this article
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Becoming a member is free and easy, sign up here.