Ownership Higher Stress Than Competing: Bogut

The American influence on the NBL expands far beyond the lines of the court. Within ownership groups competition-wide, there are past and present NBA stars keeping an eye on the competition.

Australian-born NBA champions Andrew Bogut and Luc Longley are both minority owners in the Sydney Kings and were spotted courtside during Game 1, while four-time All-Star and 2011 NBA champion Shawn Marion holds a stake in the Breakers.

Bogut – who ended his career playing with the Kings – says the stresses of being an owner are incomparable to that of being a player.

“It’s strange because you don’t really have control of what’s going on on the court,” Bogut said of his ownership, in an in-depth article for Sportico.

“As an owner you’re not as in tune into the locker room, like who’s struggling or banged up.

“The nerves are much higher as an owner sitting courtside, since you’re not in control of the outcome.”

Both sides have received a number of high-profile well-wishes from notable people around the world, in the lead-up to the Championship Series.

Golden State’s Steve Kerr, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson were among those throwing their support behind the Kings, while the likes of cricket legend Richard Hadlee and New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins sent their best to the Breakers.

Marion also had a message for his side.

“For us to do certain things right and be able to experience this run, especially in front of the fans, it speaks volumes,” he said.

“You’ve got to give it up to coach Mody Maor in his first year coaching the team, Mody has the mojo … it’s awesome.”

The Breakers held on for an eight-point win at Qudos Bank Arena in Game 1, and return to Spark Arena for a sold-out clash on Sunday. 

Game 2 will tip off at 4pm AEDT, and 6pm NZDT, live and free on ESPN via Kayo Freebies | 10 Peach and 10 play. Watch it on SkySport and Prime in New Zealand. 

Read the full story on Sportico