Andrew Bogut was only a Maverick for little more than half a season, but by all accounts was liked and respected within the Dallas locker room and during his limited appearances on the court.
When Bogut broke his leg less than a minute into his Cleveland Cavaliers debut Monday night, it was difficult for anyone _ much less his former coaches and teammates _ to watch.
"I was very disappointed for him," Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said Tuesday. "He's a good guy. He played hard when he was available to play here. I know he was looking forward to being part of another championship run. It's just extreme bad luck."
The Mavericks acquired Bogut on July 7 because Golden State needed to clear salary space for its signing of Kevin Durant.
Two weeks ago, Dallas traded Bogut, Justin Anderson and a protected first-round pick to Philadelphia for Nerlens Noel. Four days later, Bogut was waived by the Sixers.
"I just wish him a full recovery and that he can continue his career, which I'm sure he will because at age 32 he's still young for a big guy," Carlisle said. "To me, off of how he played here when he was healthy, he's still in his prime. He's a prime-time rim-protector. He's one of the best rebounders I've ever been around and he has a great feel for the game."
