Andrew Bogut’s carefully crafted persona is one of an old wise man above the fray. His time is too valuable to waste on articles, blogs and TV critics. He will have you believe he doesn’t pay attention to the substantial crowd who wrote him off as an injury prone, overpaid stiff who can’t score.

Of course, that persona is working against him now. Bogut answered the bell marvelously this season. But rubbing that in the face of his haters would be acknowledging he indeed heard them.

“I don’t really worry about it,” Bogut said. “I’m not going to sit here and say ‘I proved everyone wrong.’ It doesn’t worry me. Proof is in the pudding with our record.”

Not really buying Bogut’s immune-to-perception act. He hears. He reads. He knows.

But since he has to stay in character, I’ll respond for him.

Told you so.

Take that.

What you gotta say now?

Bogut has earned the right to dish it back to those who doubted him. To be sure, the critics had a right to question his durability after missing a big chunk of the 2012-13 season and missing the playoffs in 2013-14. His health was the biggest question mark heading into this season.

But Bogut vindicated himself this season. He’s played 71 games so far and is still looking strong. He severely outplayed New Orleans center Omer Asik, and helped contain Anthony Davis, in the first round. And if the Warriors face Memphis in the next round, which is likely, they’ll be favorites largely because of Bogut’s presence.

He only averaged 6.3 points and 8.1 rebounds — both below last season’s averages — but was unquestionably a pivotal piece to the best season in franchise history.

“This is a big moment for him,” star guard Stephen Curry said. “Obviously, the last two years have not been ideal when it comes to his health. … You can look at the stat line and make a judgment. But if you’re watching our game, the guy is impacting both ends of the floor. There is a reason he’s doing what he’s doing. He’s been waiting for this a long time.”

Traditional data doesn’t warrant high praise for Bogut. But even the simplest analytics speak to his value.

Bogut finished second in the league in defensive rating, as opponents averaged just 95.2 points for every 100 possessions he was on the floor (minimum 20 minutes per game). Memphis guard Tony Allen was first (94.9) and Draymond Green was third (96.0).

Bogut grabbed 18.5 percent of the possible rebounds when he was on the floor — 10th-best percentage in the NBA and tops on the Warriors. He assisted on 15.4 percent of the Warriors’ baskets when he was on the floor, a career-high and seventh best among centers. And that’s including forwards like Boris Diaw and Pau Gasol who serve as part-time centers.

Here is a stat that really acquits Bogut: including the playoffs, the Warriors are now 62-9 with him on the court. That’s a .873 win percentage — which is just shy of the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls’ record win percentage.

“The only thing I was expected was to get one of the best centers in the league,” Steve Kerr said of Bogut. “I watched him in Milwaukee. I watched him here with Golden State. I think the guy is a brilliant basketball player on both ends. He’s one of the best passing big man in the game and he’s possibly he best defensive center in the league. I knew I was getting a helluva player and I was excited about that.”

A few things explain Bogut’s persistent health and unusual freshness at this stage.

He played 2.8 fewer minutes per game than last season, a calculated plan by Kerr to lighten his load. The development of backup center Festus Ezeli and the use of small lineups featuring Green at center helped the Warriors safely rest Bogut.

Including the playoff games, Bogut still hasn’t surpassed his minutes total from last year’s regular season.

Another factor: Bogut’s mental state. He feels good physically in part because he’s a lot happier, which makes Bogut like most people.

Last season was long and frustrating for Bogut, who clashed with coach Mark Jackson. But he’s had a peaceful year under Kerr. It’s obvious to his teammates and Warriors staffers that Bogut is in a much better place mentally.

A big reason for that is Bogut’s being used in manner that fits his game. He senses the team maxing out in pursuit for a title and that’s what he’s wanted.

“If we win a championship,” Bogut said, “that would be a dream come true, whether I score one point or 10 points. … I know my value. I don’t need numbers. My teammates know my value and what I can bring. I’m not really too worried about the numbers. I’ve known from Day 1 I’m a high IQ guy. I do a lot of things people don’t see.”

That’s it. Tell ’em, Bogut.

Read Marcus Thompson II’s blog at blogs.mercurynews.com/thompson. Contact him at mthomps2@bayareanewsgroup.com. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/ThompsonScribe.