Post by RManske2 on Feb 5, 2011 0:03:29 GMT -5
Entering the 2005 Draft, there was not much of a question that two of the hottest prospects were a pair of seven footers in Andrew Bogut and Andrew Bynum. In addition to both being centers and sharing a common name, these two players might find themselves linked together for the entire careers. To understand the present, it helps to understand the past so here is going back to the 2005 Draft...
As the 2005 Draft got underway, everyone expected the two centers to go early in the lottery. After a few picks, the draft saw a pair of rivals on the board at spots five and six with the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs at those spots respectively. Along with being divisional rivals, these two teams find themselves with general managers that have gone at it in many other league for bragging rights and championships. In order to keep the draft moving, both teams had sent their lists in and at first it appeared that Rockets had drafted Andrew Bynum and the Spurs jumped at the opportunity to draft Andrew Bogut since the team wanted to land one of these players. However, after review, it was determined that the Rockets had Andrew Bogut above Bynum on their list so a change was made sending Andrew Bogut to the Rockets and Andrew Bynum to the Spurs.
In addition to being linked in this draft twist, these two players are now key parts to their teams for the present and likely the long run. By being in the same division, these two men go at each other four times a year in the regular season. With this being the situation, the next question is likely which player is better?
Because each player has only been in the league for a year and a half, there is no clear answer at this time. In comparing their rookie campaigns, it would appear that Bogut got the better of Bynum since he averaged more points, rebounds, and blocks. Along with the better numbers, Bogut was able to earn individual bragging rights by making it to the Rookie/Sophomore Game and collecting All-Rookie Team honors. However, coming into this season, Bynum worked on his game and saw a big increase in his ratings heading into this season. Currently, Bynum is averaging a double-double with 12.0 points and 10.3 rebounds while Bogut is very close to a double-double of his own with 12.4 points and 9.9 rebounds. Both general managers hope that their respective centers can continue to develop and become stars to lead their squads to greater success in the future.
As the 2005 Draft got underway, everyone expected the two centers to go early in the lottery. After a few picks, the draft saw a pair of rivals on the board at spots five and six with the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs at those spots respectively. Along with being divisional rivals, these two teams find themselves with general managers that have gone at it in many other league for bragging rights and championships. In order to keep the draft moving, both teams had sent their lists in and at first it appeared that Rockets had drafted Andrew Bynum and the Spurs jumped at the opportunity to draft Andrew Bogut since the team wanted to land one of these players. However, after review, it was determined that the Rockets had Andrew Bogut above Bynum on their list so a change was made sending Andrew Bogut to the Rockets and Andrew Bynum to the Spurs.
In addition to being linked in this draft twist, these two players are now key parts to their teams for the present and likely the long run. By being in the same division, these two men go at each other four times a year in the regular season. With this being the situation, the next question is likely which player is better?
Because each player has only been in the league for a year and a half, there is no clear answer at this time. In comparing their rookie campaigns, it would appear that Bogut got the better of Bynum since he averaged more points, rebounds, and blocks. Along with the better numbers, Bogut was able to earn individual bragging rights by making it to the Rookie/Sophomore Game and collecting All-Rookie Team honors. However, coming into this season, Bynum worked on his game and saw a big increase in his ratings heading into this season. Currently, Bynum is averaging a double-double with 12.0 points and 10.3 rebounds while Bogut is very close to a double-double of his own with 12.4 points and 9.9 rebounds. Both general managers hope that their respective centers can continue to develop and become stars to lead their squads to greater success in the future.
