Why OKC Thunder should seize opportunity to sign Andrew Bogut as backup center

Interior Defense

Bogut’s value lies in the paint. Despite teams running toward the three point line in today’s game, Bogut continues to be a net positive defender.

During his short term with the Lakers, the big Aussie was still a +3.5 defender on a roster filled with defensive liabilities.

Bogut still managed to block 0.5 shots in his small minutes of action thus he still remains playable in the right system.

Bogut is a big body who excels defending the pick and roll, making the appropriate reads when players dart to the basket. Additionally, the center is still mobile enough to hedge at the top of the key and recover onto the roller.

At 260 pounds, he is a tough load to move on the bloc,k thus opposing teams are likely to bail on post-up offensive schemes.

With athletic shot-blocking forwards Jerami Grant and Josh Huestis in the second unit, Bogut will receive plenty of assistance from the weak side. A Bogut, Patterson and Grant/Huestis combination up front is a beautiful complimentary set.