Atlanta Hawks: How big of a leap can Bogdan Bogdanovic make?

The Atlanta Hawks were able to steal Bogdan Bogdanovic in one of their more active offseasons in some time, but how valuable can he prove to be?

Bogdan Bogdanovic was highly sought after in this year’s NBA free agency period, and after rumors of a sign and trade deal with Milwaukee fell through, he found himself a home with the new-look Atlanta Hawks. With so many new additions to the roster, one might wonder how effective Bogdanovic can be with this squad.

Coming off of the bench for the majority of his three seasons with the Sacramento Kings, the Serbian player may feel comfortable in his role with the Hawks as they boast a roster with Cam Reddish who they expect to have a breakout year this season. If Bogdanovic is to start for Atlanta, fans should be hopeful. His points per game increased from 14.5 to 15.9 when the Kings moved him into the starting lineup. Putting him in the two spot next to Trae Young should surely get Atlanta fans excited. Bogdanovic’s ability to create his own shot, especially in the midrange, will take some of the pressure to create off of Young and give him a nice catch and shoot option once he’s broken down opposing defenses.

The 28-year-old entering his fourth season will have the green light at all three levels. The Hawks desperately needed to address their shooting woes and Bogdanovic is the man for the job. After shooting an eye-popping 37% from three last year, and an even more impressive 61% in the restricted area, Bogdanovic will add instant offense.

What Hawks fans should keep an eye on as far as determining Bogdanovic’s value is his presence on the defensive end. At 6-6, he’s a big body but isn’t considered a defensive ace by any stretch of the imagination. However, he’s strong, moves well, and should help cover for Trae Young’s defensive deficiencies. If Bogdanovic can do what’s expected of him on the offensive end and supplement that with valuable defensive minutes for this now bigger and quicker Hawks squad, look for his value to shoot through the roof.

Bogdanovic signed a four-year, $72 million offer sheet with the Hawks who will look to extend Trae Young in the near future. Though he’s 28 years old, Bogdanovic hasn’t logged a ton of minutes and has never been to the postseason so wear and tear shouldn’t be an issue. He’s a player that Atlanta should be able to look to for years to come.

The stage is set for Bogdan Bogdanovic to have a breakout season with the Hawks. With a roster that relieves pressure on all involved, look for Bogdanovic to make himself a household name in Atlanta.