Golden State Warriors center Andrew Bogut continues to recover from ankle surgery and took a major step forward in his recovery as he was cleared for one-on-one contact drills on Monday, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
The former Utah Ute and Milwaukee Buck was acquired by the Warriors prior to the 2011-2012 trade deadline in March and has yet to play a game for the Warriors. Head coach Mark Jackson has remained hopeful that Bogut can play in at least one or two exhibition games in preparation for a full 82-game season.
"His presence alone makes a difference. He's doing all of the things he's supposed to do with rehab and treatment. He looks better and better every day. We're very happy with where he is right now, and we hope he'll be in a position to get some work prior to this thing starting."
Bogut has had a history of injuries, which he has labeled as freak ailments and not chronic. Still, he has to deal with the stigma that he is injury-prone and is anxious to prove himself to his new teammates as a reliable component.
The Warriors are in the midst of a self-induced nine-game road trip that is meant to prepare them for similar trips during the regular season.