Comparisons are not always just, necessary or desirable. However when it comes to sport and in particular statistics, comparisons will always come to mind. Andrew Bogut has never compared himself to Luc Longley, though the media has wanted to do so ever since the big Buck was drafted number one in 2005. Very soon though, Bogut will pass Longley in a number of key categories to become the all-time Australian NBA leader — a feat that should not go unnoticed.
Longley’s career, which included three championships alongside the indescribable Michael Jordan, was a storied one. He stacked up his fair share of NBA statistics during the course of 567 career games.
I’ve not seen this mentioned elsewhere, but Bogut currently finds himself about to pass Longley in total points, rebounds, defensive rebounds, offensive rebounds and field goals made and attempted. Of course, no one will argue that Longley was a more skilled player than the young Buck and thus it is no surprise that he will pass Longley despite having played considerably less games (he currently sits at 305).
Taking a look at the individual statistical categories, you can see that it will only take another handful of games for Bogey to pass Big Luc:
[PTS] Longley 4,090 ¦ Bogut 3,798 ¦ Difference 292
[TOTAL REB] Longley 2,794 ¦ Bogut 2,722 ¦ Difference 72
[DEF REB] Longley 1,922 ¦ Bogut 1,878 ¦ Difference 44
[OFF REB] Longley 872 ¦ Bogut 844 ¦ Difference 28
[FGM] Longley 1,685 ¦ Bogut 1,611 ¦ Difference 74
[FGA] Longley 3,647 ¦ Bogut 3,015 ¦ Difference 632
It is worth noting that Bogut has a long way to go to catch Longley in the blocks stakes. Luc was a great shot blocker during his career, using his height and timing well. He leads Bogut 549 to 366 in that category.
There have been ten Australians who have played in the NBA, including (in no particular order) Longley, Bogut, Chris Anstey, Mark Bradtke, David Andersen, Nathan Jawai, Patrick Mills, Luke Schenscher, Shane Heal and Andrew Gaze. Longley leads the group in almost all categories in terms of totals — the only exceptions to date being three-point shots made and attempted (Heal) and free throw attempts (Bogut).
There is a strong likelihood that sometime this season Andersen will take Heal’s mantle in the three point shooting honours. At his current rate (17/61) he is not far off taking the Hammer’s lead (24/83). He should remain safe for a short while on that front until Patty Mills (yet to attempt an NBA three) gets significant playing time. The only other Aussies to make a three in the NBA are Gaze (9/24), Anstey (4/29) and Bogut (1/17).
Andersen is currently tied with Heal in NBA games played, sitting at 49. When he next enters a game for the Rockets he will have played the fourth most amongst Aussies, falling behind Longley, Bogut and Anstey.
So give big Bogey a round of applause and raise your can of Victoria Bitter in the coming weeks as he reaches these significant milestones in Australian NBA basketball history. How does it happen? You can get it ripping down a rebound; you can get it making a layup or banking a mid-range jumper; matter of fact I’ve got it now.
