Andrew Bogut sidelined with injury

Australian Boomer Andrew Bogut's best NBA season has been put on hold because of a leg injury which will rule him out for four to six weeks, writes James Dampney for The Australian Associated Press.

Bogut picked up a strain and a contusion in his lower left leg during this week's 99-85 victory over New Jersey, which took the upstart Milwaukee Bucks into fourth in the Eastern Conference with a healthy 6-3 record.

The 24-year-old Australian's injury is a cruel blow after he had showed his best form to date in his fifth season in the league.

Bogut had been averaging a career-high 16.1 points per game, 9.2 rebounds (19th in the NBA) and 1.4 blocks, forming a potent one-two punch with outstanding rookie guard Brandon Jennings.

Now back-up big men Dan Gadzuric and Kurt Thomas are going to have to carry the load before Bogut returns.

"It's disappointing," Bucks general manager John Hammond told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

"Andrew did get off to a very good start. We want him on the floor and we need him on the floor.

"Obviously it's a concern. But it's our job not to dwell on it, to move forward and find a way to compete."

It is the latest in a string of injuries for the 213cm centre, who missed half of last season with a stress fracture in his back.

He has also suffered minor ankle and knee problems in recent years.

It has been frustrating for the former No.1 draft pick, who barely missed a game in his first three seasons in the NBA.

"(I'm) so down about the injury," Bogut wrote on his Twitter page.

"Can only control getting it stronger and better day by day.

"Hopefully be back on the court asap."

Milwaukee's All-Star guard Michael Redd has also been sidelined with a knee injury, but he is expected back over the next fortnight.

The injury couldn't have come at a worse time for the Bucks, who have had a relatively easy schedule to start the season, including their current six-game home stand.

Milwaukee are 4-1 in the stretch and defeated Charlotte on Saturday before embarking on a four-game Western Conference road trip, when they downed Memphis ahead of facing San Antonio, New Orleans and Oklahoma City.

Coach Scott Skiles is hoping the Bucks can keep their heads above water until Bogut returns.

 

---