Andrew Bogut injury: Warriors center still hoping to play in opener

Golden State Warriors big man Andrew Bogut remains optimistic that he will be ready to go for the regular season opener on Haloween night against the Phoenix Suns, according to a report from CSN Bay Area's Matt Steinmetz.

Bogut fractured his left foot on Jan. 25 when he was still with the Milwaukee Bucks, and has yet to resume all basketball activities, including playing 5-on-5. He has been ramping up his rehab work lately in hopes of playing in a preseason game, but is remaining pragmatic when dealing with the injury:

"I can't let what other people are thinking and wanting affect the injury. I need to come back 100 percent. I want to be out there. I've thought of many scenarios, and I want to be 100 percent ready for that first game."

Bogut knows the importance of the preseason when coming off of an injury, and is looking to sharpen his skills before the regular season starts.

"I would love to play in a preseason game or two because I haven't play a game of basketball since January," Bogut said. "For my mental capacity I want to get out there and play a game or two before the first (regular-season) game. I don't want to be rehabbing and then go straight into an NBA game. It's a tricky situation, but you just have to stay positive."

Rookie Festus Ezeli will see many of the minutes at center while Bogut works his way back. The seven-year veteran out of Austrailian could be cleared for 5-on-5 play as early as next week.