The Golden State Warriors have had a revolving door at center in the playoffs, with the DeMarcus Cousins’ quad injury causing them to use different players. Warriors Wire continues its Finals preview by taking a look at the center position.
This preview will be focused on the center matchup between Andrew Bogut and Toronto Raptors big man Marc Gasol.
Andrew Bogut vs. Marc Gasol
Playoff stats — Bogut
2.9 points
4.2 rebounds
1.3 assists
Playoff stats — Gasol
8.6 points
6.1 rebounds
3.2 assists
Bogut is really a starter in name only. He only has averaged 9.6 minutes per game in this postseason run and he doesn’t really contribute much outside of some good screens and toughness down low. Now, there’s a chance Cousins could return in this series. If he does, Cousins provides the Warriors with another elite offensive option. He is capable of going for a triple-double and he can score in a variety of ways. His return would provide Golden State a huge lift.
Gasol is a major defensive presence for Toronto. He has locked down the likes of All-Stars Nikola Vucevic and Joel Embiid in previous rounds while also battling Brook Lopez. Gasol isn’t the same offensive player he was during his time with the Memphis Grizzlies, but he did shoot 41.4 percent from deep in the Eastern Conference Finals, showing he can still knock down shots.
Neither team has a true center off the bench, though. Golden State will turn to Kevon Looney and Jordan Bell at the position and their energy will be a welcomed addition off the pine. Looney, especially, has added to his offensive game and can finish well around the rim. The Warriors will, of course, go small and use Draymond Green at the center spot. The Raptors will turn to Serge Ibaka and hope his long-range shooting can make an impact in this series. Ibaka’s shot-blocking also will help on the defensive end.
Verdict
The Raptors take home the advantage here as we still don’t know the status of Cousins. As it stands right now, the Raptors’ combo of Gasol and Ibaka make more of an impact than Bogut plus Looney and Bell. Toronto will benefit on the defensive end, with hopes they also can coax some offense out of the duo.
