There is no question Andrew Bogut is the starting center for the Golden State Warriors, but who is his back-up? Marreese Speights did a decent job last year, averaging 6.4 points and 3.7 rebounds in 79 games played. Ognjen Kuzmic has had a good showing in the first six pre-season games, but the Warriors have been waiting on one player in particular to return and help them with their depth at the center position.
Festus Ezeli hasn’t seen an NBA floor since having surgery on his right knee. It’s been 17 months since then, but has been progressing well as of late. According to Rusty Simmons of the San Francisco Chronicle, Ezeli will finally get to see the floor tonight at Oracle arena when the Warriors take on the Clippers:
Steve Kerr said Festus Ezeli’s probable means “definite.” He’ll play a few minutes.
— Rusty Simmons (@Rusty_SFChron) October 21, 2014
This is definitely good news for the Warriors, the return of Ezeli will give them another big body. If Ezeli can remain healthy, Kerr will feel more comfortable resting Bogut and saving his energy for the post-season. Although he only has one year under his belt, Ezeli started 41 games in his rookie season and showed a lot of promise.
The Warriors haven’t had the greatest luck with their big men, they consistently tend to get hurt. Last season, the Warriors took on the Clippers without Bogut, which could have made the difference. Now, the Warriors need quality depth at the position and Ezeli is the perfect back-up for them. Ezeli turns 24 years old today and him returning to the floor is probably the best gift he could have received after such a long journey.