Bogut wants to remain with Bucks in NBA

Andrew Bogut was left bloodied and bruised after yet another loss with NBA cellar-dwellers Milwaukee, but the Australian insists he wants to extend his multi-million dollar deal with the Bucks.

Bogut continues to produce impressive numbers in his third season, averaging 13.9 points, 9.5 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game, all NBA career highs.

But the 23-year-old has played virtually a lone hand for Milwaukee, who entered the season with high hopes but are currently last in the Central Division with a 24-46 record.

Milwaukee are 24th overall in the 30-team league.

Bogut had 27 points, nine boards and three blocks against Atlanta, but it wasn't enough to prevent another defeat, 115-96.

Injury was added to insult when the Victorian had to leave the game with seven minutes left with a suspected broken nose after copping an errant elbow from Hawk Marvin Williams.

Bogut is set to make $US6.3 million ($A6.85 million) next season in the final year of the contract he signed after the Bucks made him the No.1 overall pick in the 2005 draft.

He would be highly-coveted if he decided to leave Milwaukee and could boost his profile immeasurably if he linked up with franchises in more prominent cities like Los Angeles, Chicago or New York.

But, despite the team's troubles, Bogut says he wants to remain with the Bucks and help to turn the club around.

The seven-footer is hoping to sign a contract extension before linking up with the Australian team for the Olympics after the season.

"I'd love to return," he told the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.

"I wouldn't have bought a house (in Milwaukee) if I didn't see a long-term future.

"I'm settled off the floor, I'm settled on the court.

"It's a proud franchise, so we'd like to get it back to be a winning franchise and have people be proud of wearing a Bucks jersey or a Bucks hat or whatever."

Bogut will be a key member of the Boomers at the Beijing Olympics, part of what should be an impressive frontline including former NBA player Chris Anstey and the European-based Matt Nielsen and David Andersen.

Having put pressure on himself to lift his production in his third season in the NBA, Bogut has certainly delivered.

"I think he's received the ball more and is being counted on more to produce," Bucks coach Larry Krystkowiak said.

"I think he's one of the best passing big guys in the league.

"He just seems like he's got more confidence."

Former Bucks general manager Larry Harris was fired last week, taking the fall for the team's poor record.

But he still feels there is a solid core of players in place, including Bogut.

"Whoever the new GM is, I think that person can sit here and say the cupboard isn't bare," Harris said.

"I think you have an All-Star in Andrew Bogut, a promising forward in Yi (Jianlian). Michael Redd has already established himself.

"Desmond Mason came back through some tough times here.

"You have a nice group of core players."</p>