Andrew Bogut Retires; Golden State Warriors Express Gratitude For Contributions

Andrew Bogut, the top pick of the 2005 NBA Draft, announced his retirement from professional basketball at the age of 36.

Bogut is regarded as one of the most successful players to come out of Australia. A fitting end to his illustrious basketball career would have been a final stint at the 2020 Olympics.

But with the coronavirus forcing the games to be moved, the 7-footer decided to call it a career instead.

Bogut made the announcement when he appeared on the Rogues Bogues podcast Tuesday morning.

"The decision hasn't been an easy one, but I think it is the right decision," Bogut said. "The decision that I made and where I will be signing for next season is absolutely nowhere. I will be retiring from professional basketball, effective immediately.”

The past years saw Bogut deal with serious injuries. This offseason, he struggled to overcome an ankle issue and undergoing surgery to relieve a sciatica in his back, ESPN reported.

"I'm really starting to value my health away from the court and my health when I'm 40, 45, and 50. Some people might say it's only six months of training but I'm at a point where I just can't do it," Bogut explained.

Bogut’s last NBA stint was with the Golden State Warriors where he played in only 11 games. Averaging only 12.2 minutes per game, he normed 3.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and an assist.

He had his best NBA years playing with the Milwaukee Bucks from 2005 to 2012 before bouncing from one team to another.

Aside from the Warriors and the Bucks, he also had brief runs with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers.

Upon learning about his retirement, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr thanked Bogut for his contributions to the Dubs. He won his lone NBA title with Golden State in 2015.

“Congrats & thank you to Andrew Bogut on an amazing career. We couldn't have asked for a better fit at the center spot--a dominant defender who owned the paint, a brilliant passer/screener who blended perfectly with Steph and Klay, and a player with incredible feel. Well done Boges!” Kerr posted on Twitter.

Former teammate Draymond Green also gave his well-wishes to Bogut, thanking him for the things he learned on defense.

“Congrats on an amazing career big fella! Appreciate all you taught on the defensive end! Andrew Bogut, enjoy retirement mate!” Green tweeted.

Bogut is currently staying in Melbourne, based there since the pandemic first broke out in March.