By Dionysis Aravantinos / info@eurohoops.net
Bogdan Bogdanovic’s 2017 calendar year has been one of the best years of his life. The 25-year old Serbian guard led Fenerbahce’s team to the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final where they defeated Olympiacos and became the first ever Turkish team to achieve this accomplishment.
He also led his team to the Turkish League title. Besides his success in Europe, the 27th pick of the 2014 NBA Draft was offered a 3-year, $36 million contract with the Sacramento Kings and decided to take his talents overseas.
His first month in the NBA
A month into his NBA dream, Eurohoops showcases and analyzes his numbers and accomplishments so far, this year in a re-building Sacramento team. The 25-year old rookie still has youth by his side as he elevates his level and enters his prime. Even though Sacramento’s team has not started well this season with a 5-13 record (14th in the Western Conference) the Kings’ young pieces have shown quality, their skills and talents so far, this year. One of these players is none other than Bogdan Bogdanovic. The former Fenerbahce star is averaging 9.3 points, 1.9 assists and 2.3 rebounds per game while shooting a 43.1% from the field. Playing almost 24 minutes night in and night out, Bogdan is affecting the flow of the game positively.
In addition, he is shooting 32.7% from beyond the arc and 100% from the free-throw line (11/11 on the year). He also has a recorded PER (Player Efficiency Rating) of 12.57. So far in these first 18 games, he has been able to adapt to a totally different system, a new position (87% of the time he is on the court he plays as a small forward), playing style with many adjustments and he has succeeded. His numbers have been fairly good throughout these 18 games (played 15) and as he gets more experience, understands his role in the team, improves his shooting and makes quicker decisions on the court he can become even more efficient and vital for his team.
Bogdan Bogdanovic’s shot chart (via Basketball-Reference.com)
It’s not just about the numbers
Although the numbers play an important role in a players’ success, in some cases (Draymond Green, Avery Bradley), what the player does on and off the court could be more significant than just scoring or rebounding the basketball. One of these players in these first 18 games of the season is Bogdan Bogdanovic. Even though his numbers as a rookie, are decent, he has shown signs of a great talent who could have a major role in this rebuilding squad. Put succinctly, Bogdan’s instincts on the court have been showing, as he has been setting up his teammates to score while also continually moving off the ball to make sure his team gets an open look.
His experience overseas in Europe and Turkey with Fenerbahce, while also having one of the greatest coaches of all time in Zeljko Obradovic coaching him have helped him in his career do things on the court that do not show on the box score (cover for teammates, move on the perimeter, screen players). As a result, he has brought those characteristics to Sacramento and has a positive effect on the game.
Bogdanovic’s best games
Bogdan Bogdanovic is 10th among rookies in scoring this season and has had some great games scoring the basketball but also facilitating on the perimeter. The Sacramento Kings have used him as a small forward most of the time, playing on the perimeter and he has also been good in finding his teammates and making plays for them. In just his last game against the Los Angeles Lakers at home Bogdan was impressive as he finished with 14 points and a career-high seven assists.
His best scoring game so far, this year came against the Washington Wizards on October 29th, when he scored 15 points on a very efficient 7/9 shooting. Out of the 15 games, he has played this season he has had seven games where he scored double-digits.
Finally, Bogdan Bogdanovic has started his career in the NBA in a good note, will be a centerpiece on the re-building Sacramento Kings, the team seems to trust him, believe in him and plays him around 25 minutes night in and night out.