Andrew Bogut may not be ready for the season opener

Bogut said that he’s still between a month to three months away from returning, but he expects to make it back this season.

According to the Contra Costa Times, Bogut and Warriors general manager Bob Myers said that there was no miscommunication between one another. The seven-foot center said that he didn’t feel extra pressure to play for Golden State, and his return to action at the beginning of the season was, in hindsight, the wrong call on his part.

Bogut played in four of Golden State’s five games this season. The Warriors planned to ease Bogut into action this season with limited minutes and occasional rest days, but he will now get an extended rest. His recovery from March ankle surgery has taken longer than initially expected. Despite lobbying for more playing time, Bogut said doctors have given strict orders in limiting him to no more than 20 minutes per game.

The delayed recovery has been frustrating for Bogut who said he doesn’t feel like he’s helping the team and thinks he could do more. In limited playing time, Bogut has averaged 6 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. The 7-10 day time frame means Bogut will miss at least three and up to five games.

It’s sooner than many expected, as his clearance to practice in full came just days ago. He was noncommittal when asked about his anticipated return date, but clearly he and the medical staff are confident he will be able to contribute against Phoenix.

It’s a welcome sign for Warriors fans who have yet to see him on the court with his new teammates. The Warriors’ ability to improve on the 23-43 mark they had last year will depend in part on Bogut’s long term health.

Bogut was limited to just 12 games during the 2011-2012 season after fracturing his right ankle in January.

Still, this is good news for a Warriors team which finished just 23-43 during the lockout shortened 2012 campaign.Bogut will bring size to a Warriors front-court, as in 12 games last year he averaged 11 points, eight rebounds and three blocks.

The Golden State Warriors have been hoping that injured center Andrew Bogut would be ready to return to action for opening night, but it’s looking less and less likely that a return in time for the team’s season opener is in the cards, according to a report from the San Jose Mercury News.

Bogut, who fractured his left ankle in January while with the Milwaukee Bucks, will be examined by Dr. Richard Ferkel on Monday when the Warriors are in Los Angeles to take on the Clippers in a preseason game. While the seven-year veteran is hopeful for an Oct. 31 return, a source has said that even if Bogut were to check out at 90 percent after Monday’s examination, he wouldn’t be cleared to play.

Though not quite ready for game action yet, Myers says Bogut is still clearing daily goals, such as jumping drills and tests of lateral movement.

“I understand that there’s a very intense focus on our centers, and it’s magnified because of who (Andrew Bogut) is,” Myers said of the 2005 NBA Draft’s No. 1 overall pick, who is also known as one of the better defensive centers in the league.