Warriors coach Mark Jackson said starting center Andrew Bogut is a ways away from playing a preseason game, which raises questions about his status for the regular-season opener.

On Monday when the Warriors travel to Los Angeles for a preseason game against Clippers, Bogut will visit Dr. Richard Ferkel. He is going to have his surgically-repaired left ankle checked out, though the Warriors are saying it is a cautionary measure.

Fortunately for the Warriors, rookie center Festus Ezeli is giving them some insurance in case Bogut’s recover takes longer than expected.

“He’s been spectacular,” Jackson said of Ezeli. “He’s absolutely the real deal. Can’t believe he was on the board at No. 30.”

“He’s a high IQ basketball player, especially defensively,” Jackson said. “I’m very pleased with his progress. … I’m looking for Festus to be a force.”

via Marcus Thompson II of the Contra Costa Times