NBL star Andrew Bogut insists he's not surprised at being on the cusp of completing his first healthy basketball season since his rookie NBA campaign.
Not since being drafted No.1 by Milwaukee and playing 82 games in the 2005-06 season has Bogut played in every game of a campaign.
However, the 34-year-old will achieve the feat when he takes the court in the Kings' 28th and final match of the NBL regular season against Cairns on Friday.
While the NBA is a more gruelling season, Bogut conceded there were still times he could've been given his body a rest this summer.
"I'm not going to lie. There were probably about four to five games I could not have played," Bogut said on Tuesday.
"I've just grinded some stuff, much like most guys do throughout the season.
"My back locked up earlier in the season, a few other little niggles.
"But I got through them all.
"So I can achieve that goal this week against Cairns, play every game in the regular season. That's a box ticked."
Another box ticked could be claiming the MVP award.
Bogut leads the league in rebounds (11.7 per game) and blocks (2.6), reminiscent of the form he produced when he won the NBA championship with Golden State in 2015.
"I think inconsistent at times, up and down a little bit," he saidof the Kings' season.
"But as long as we're in the right direction, I was always OK with my individual performance.
"I'm not overly concerned about numbers and stats and what naysayers say. It's more about performances as a whole."
Bogut admits the key is to his health.
"I know when I've been on the floor, I've been effective, whether that's with stats or without," he said.
"It's a competitive league. I can't just roll up and expect to play well.
"You've got to have the same preparation as if you're in the NBA or playing in Europe."
The Kings are considered title contenders on the back of Bogut's stellar season but will be relying on other results to finish in the all-important top two.
Leaders Perth and second-placed Melbourne have two games this week and meet on Sunday in a game that will decide top spot.
Should either team drop both their games, the Kings can sneak into second spot and secure home-court advantage for the first round of the finals.
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