Australia’s men’s basketball squad could be without its big man at the Rio Olympics. Andrew Bogut suffered bone bruises to his left knee Monday night that will keep him sidelined six to eight weeks.
The Golden State Warriors’ center collided with the Cleveland Cavaliers’ J.R. Smith in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. The team announced Wednesday that he’ll miss the rest of the Finals, but won’t need surgery.
Andrew Bogut Update: pic.twitter.com/ObjcC9zsNM
— Warriors PR (@WarriorsPR) June 15, 2016
The six-to-eight week timeline puts Bogut’s Olympic participation in jeopardy. Six weeks from today is July 27. Eight weeks from today is Aug. 10. Australia’s first game is Aug. 6.
Bogut sitting out would be another blow to the Aussies, who will already be without young phenom Ben Simmons. The 19-year-old will be one of the top picks, possibly No. 1, in this month’s NBA draft, and he’s opted to focus on his NBA career rather than the Olympics.
The Australian Olympic team could still be led by NBA players Patty Mills and Matthew Dellavedova. Basketball Australia will set its roster after a July 5-10 selection camp.
Bogut suited up for Australia in the 2004 and 2008 Games, but missed the 2012 London Olympics after having ankle surgery the previous spring.
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