Sydney Kings coach Andrew Gaze says the NBL's officiating is ahead of where it's been in previous seasons, despite understanding prize recruit Andrew Bogut's frustration.
Former NBA star Bogut was upset with the amount of fouls called in Sydney's game against Adelaide last weekend in the pre-season Blitz tournament.
"I think he is learning the system and learning the way in which the game is being officiated, but in fairness so are the referees," Gaze said on Tuesday.
"They are going through some mild rule changes, they are going through points of emphasis that are being directed by the way in which we want to see the game played at the highest level.
"So its highly frustrating for Boges, who hasn't been exposed to this competition and the way in which the game is being played.
"I think the officiating is ahead of where it's been previous years, and they obviously need to get better, we need to get better, everyone needs to get better, but I think they are on a good path."
Bogut will be part of a full-strength Kings roster travelling on Wednesday to Hawaii, where Sydney will face NBA side LA Clippers next Monday (AEST).
Boomers big man Daniel Kickert will travel after missing the Blitz with a calf issue.
Kicket and Bogut are the big name additions to a revamped roster, with Sydney widely considered favourites for the upcoming NBL season.
Sydney won one out of three at the Blitz, and Gaze said they had endured some teething problems in the pre-season.
"We've had some peaks and troughs and some emotional highs and lows," he said.
He thought those in the squad who played against NBA side Utah last year wouldn''t be as awestruck when they faced the Clippers.
"But it doesn't diminsh the challenge at all," Gaze said.
'"Up against a team that's got a renowned legendary coach, that's going to be well organised and present us with some significant problems.
""The guys are really excited about the opportunity to test themselves, and hopefully we can give a good account of ourselves.
"I think we're more advanced than we were at this time last year, but we're not going to be at our peak."
Share
