Bogdan Bogdanovic’s versatility is a big reason for the Atlanta Hawks success
When the Atlanta Hawks signed Bogdan Bogdanovic to his four-year, $72 million deal there was an element of risk to the contract. He had performed at a reasonable level with the Sacramento Kings but to be honest until an ex-Kings player produces numbers on a contending team, there is always a little doubt.
Well, the start of his first season with the Hawks did not go as planned for the Serbian sharp-shooting sensation with him struggling to find his spot in the Hawks rotation. Then he fractured his kneecap in a freak incident in the middle of the court and missed a huge chunk of playing time. His return coincided with Nate McMillan taking over last season and Bogdanovic was like a gift for the new head coach.
What he was then able to achieve after the All-Star break was a big reason that the Hawks made such a deep run into the playoffs. His shooting was off the charts, setting Hawks records for shooting in a month. Then who can forget the true courage that Bogdanovic showed in the Eastern Conference semi-finals where he could not shoot or even move properly but defended with all he had.
The Atlanta Hawks have benefitted from the all-around play of Bogdan Bogdanovic
The Hawks have had their fair share of injuries over the past season and a half. Unfortunately, Bogdanovic has not been immune to these but when he is in the Hawks lineup, they are a much different team. Yes, he is a tremendous shooter but there is so much more to his game than just the 3-ball.
Bogdanovic has stepped up his defensive intensity since coming to the Hawks. He has always averaged around 1.0 steals per game since coming into the league and this season is no different. However, since joining Delon Wright on the second unit, Bogdanovic has stepped up his defensive game, snaring fouls steals in two games in the month of February already, coming off the bench.
On top of that, Bogdanovic is able to create his own shot, create for others as evidenced by his 3.0 assists per game. He is also one of the best floor spacers in the NBA, taking 58.9 percent of his shots from beyond the arc, with 79.8 percent of his made 3-point shots being assisted.
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To say that Bogdanovic’s shooting is crucial to this team is an understatement, however, there is so much more to how he impacts the game. Obviously, with his value, other teams would come knocking with trade proposals. However, Bogdanovic is one of the main reasons the Atlanta Hawks are a probability to make the playoffs again this season.