[McDunkin]

Andrew Bogut has committed to joining the Sydney Kings on the provision he is able to secure an insurance policy for his whopping $39 million contract with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Bogut had been linked to short-term deals with several NBL clubs while the NBA lockout over a pay dispute continues, but today the Australian Boomers star confirmed that Sydney was his club of choice.

He will not be available for the season opener between the Kings and old rivals Melbourne tomorrow night because the insurance situation is yet to be resolved.

NBL officials had hoped for a dream match up between Bogut and Boomers teammate Patty Mills, who signed to play for the Tigers during the lockout.

Bogut’s management company announced the decision to play with Sydney via Twitter this afternoon.

"Update on (Andrew Bogut). He is committed to the (NBL). He would like to play for (the Sydney Kings). Insurance is still not finalised," One Management Group posted.

"As such he will not be playing tomorrow night against Melbourne. We will continue to try and resolve the insurance policy.

"Thanks to everyone for your patience. We will keep you up to date as things progress."

Bogut and his representatives had previously entertained joining Perth, Adelaide and Gold Coast but settled on Sydney in what would be a massive boost for basketball in that city.

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/sport/a/-/basketball/10415593/bogut-for-sydney-if-insurance-deal-sorted/

[omphalosParticipant]

Sydney are idiots for doing this. He won’t be there for the Finals, and a few more games won at the start of the season isn’t worth alienating the players you had to shift to make room for him.

[Scottoant93Participant]

^^^^ Idk what you mean shift players meaning demoting in depth chart or cutting a player because they signed him. I know Bogut said he would not sign with a team if it meant he took someones place on the roster. Im guessing you mean players being demoted

[GrovesinternationalParticipant]

if only it was the Crocs or Taipans

[omphalosParticipant]

The NBL works on a player rating system where you can only spend a certain amount of "points" on your team. A player like Bogut would have the highest rating possible, so it stands to reason someone would have to get shifted or let go.

I know when Patty Mills signed on to Melbourne they let one of their longer tenured players go and it caused some discontent. Loyalty is very important over here, and it didn’t sit well with people that they just ditched one of their home-grown players for a guy looking for a temporary solution to the lockout.

Unless Sydney knows something we don’t about the lockout or somehow have enough room with their player points I wouldn’t have done this.

[r377Participant]

Signing Bogut or any NBA player is great for the league.  The NBL has struggled the past 10 yrs or so since it was taken off free for air TV.  Any good or positive publicity is good for the league.

 

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