Bogut in good shape for NBA season

Peter Marshall

Bogut in good shape for NBA season image

The Australian has been nursing a rib complaint over recent months that cut short his campaign last term.

However, having rested up in the off-season, he is now raring to get back on court as the Warriors look to improve on their run to the play-offs in 2013-14.

Bogut was a crucial part of the their push in the Western Conference but was then sidelined for the post-season when he fractured a rib in the 119-117 defeat to Portland Trailblazers in April.

In his absence, Golden State were narrowly beaten over the series by the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round of the play-offs, but Bogut believes both the franchise - and he - are in good shape ahead of the new season.

Speaking to NBA Australia, the 29-year-old said: "It [the injury] was an issue that healed in the summer. It was a six-to-eight-week thing. I woke up one morning in late June and it felt great. 

"Having said that, it was a frustrating injury because there wasn't anything I could do rehab-wise or physio-wise, I just had to rest and relax and I did so."

Asked if his off-season had been hindered by the problem, Bogut added: "When I'd injured myself just before the play-offs they said that this would need two to four weeks to calcify and then it would fully heal within two months, so I knew that the following season wouldn't be an issue and preparation for it has not been.

"I want to get to the next stage of the play-offs. We think we're play-off team and the best way to prove that is to make the play-offs first, then you get to make a push. 

"I hate to put a number on it or put a certain round in the play-offs but a goal for us is the second round and beyond. 

"Having said that, the Western Conference is freakishly good and it has improved again in the off-season, with most teams staying solid and not losing too many guys." 

Peter Marshall

Peter Marshall Photo

Peter Marshall has worked in sports media for more than two decades, covering everything from boxing, F1 and tennis to the World Cup and Olympics.