Bogdan Bogdanovic is the key for the Atlanta Hawks moving forward

The Atlanta Hawks are struggling through COVID-19 issues with so many of their players out through being in the health and safety protocols. They also have Solomon Hill and De’Andre Hunter out through injury.

One of the key players who was out due to an ankle injury was Bogdan Bogdanovic. He injured the ankle in a game against the New York Knicks in late November. This was a big reason why the winning streak of seven was snapped.

Since then the Hawks have played really well at home and struggled on the road. In the games where Bogdanovic was out the Hawks went 3-6 and they are 1-1 since his return. The importance of his shooting cannot be underestimated for this team. He was one of the best shooters from distance last season, a skill the Hawks have been missing since his injury.

The Atlanta Hawks need a healthy Bogdan Bogdanovic.

Last season when Lloyd Pierce was sacked, Nate McMillan took over just prior to the All-Star game.He was also given a gift as Bogdanovic also returned to the lineup that day from a fractured kneecap. It is difficult to say if McMillan or Bogdanovic was more important to the team after the All-Star break.

Since his return from injury Bogdanovic struggled in the first game against the Orlando Magic. He was on a minutes restriction and had to test his ankle in every situation he could. The Hawks lost the Magic but it was a good preparation for the next game against the Philadelphia 76ers.

The Hawks started out really well against the 76ers, building a double-digit lead in the first period. However, being the second game of a back-to-back, the Hawks started to run out of legs. However, then something happened which would give hope to every Hawks fan.

Bogdanovic found his shot late in the fourth period which meant that he was able to get the Hawks over the line.This is going to be crucial moving forward, particularly until the Hawks get their players out of the health and safety protocols.