Atlanta Hawks: 3 improvements Bogdan Bogdanovic must make

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 03: Bogdan Bogdanovic #13 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after a basket against the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Finals at State Farm Arena on July 03, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 03: Bogdan Bogdanovic #13 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after a basket against the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Finals at State Farm Arena on July 03, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta Hawks. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta Hawks offseason improvement for Bogdan Bogdanovic No.2) Improve as a defender

In the season just gone, Bogdanovic had a 114.1 defensive rating, which is not too bad. He is fully capable as a defender but isn’t a defensive stopper by any means. He averaged 1.1 steals in the regular season and 1.6 in the postseason this past year.

He had some struggles defensively in the playoffs but they can be attributed to the knee injury that he suffered. Overall, Bogdanovic isn’t a bad defender, if he can bulk up a little bit more which will allow him to be more physical.

The big thing for him is to be active and stay in front of his defensive assignment. A big part of the reason for this is because Young isn’t the best defender,  De’Andre Hunter will probably guard the best opposition offensive player.

Then it will be up to Bogdanovic to guard the second-best wing if not the best wing on given nights. He is a good height standing 6’6″ and has some good defensive length. As a result, he could be very disruptive as well on the perimeter.

Bogdanovic definitely tries and really puts in the effort on the defensive end, which is really all you can ask for from him. He fights over screens and is willing to get into guys, that’s what you want to see if you are a coach, player, or fan. If Bodganvoic keeps progressing defensively he can become even more of a compete player for the Hawks.