Atlanta Hawks veteran Bogdan Bogdanovic knows ball, there is no denying that. So his choice of nickname for rookie teammate Nikola Djurisic is even more encouraging that it would be on its own, and it is pretty encouraging already.
The No. 43 overall pick of the 2024 NBA Draft whom the Hawks acquired from the Miami Heat, Djurisic is not under contract with Atlanta, instead signing with the College Park Skyhawks.
Bogdanovic is keeping tabs on his fellow Serb, though.
“Djuka ,” Bogdanovic posted on X along with a clip from CPS of Djurisic dishing out an assist.
What a pass! pic.twitter.com/3G5wfxf6xV
— College Park Skyhawks (@CPSkyhawks) December 22, 2024
The nickname appears to be a mashup of Djurisic’s last name and Dallas Mavericks superstar – and former Hawks first-round pick – Luka Doncic’s first. Doncic’s preternatural passing skills, especially at his size, are only outdone by his ability to score the basketball.
The Hawks can only hope Djurisic matches a sliver of the potential that Doncic has.
That is not a knock against the Hawks rookie, but rather an acknowledgment of how good the Mavs star is. Of course, Bogdanovic does know ball.
Nikola Djurisic in good hands with Hawks G League affiliate
There is some intentional crossover between both teams, so Djurisic is in good hands with the Skyhawks.
He showed that during the Skyhawks’ win over the Osceola Magic on December 22, finishing with 10 points, 3 assists, 3 rebounds, and 1 steal. Djurisic has averaged 5.5 PPG, 3.9 assists, and 1.5 rebounds through eight Tip-Off Tournament contests.
There remains a path for him to see time with the Hawks this season too.
The G League regular season begins on December 27 and runs into April when their playoffs start. NBA playoff rosters must be finalized by April 15. At any point between then, the Hawks could sign Djurisic to a contract, assuming they create a roster spot first.
Center Cody Zeller has not been with the team all season after he was the final piece of the Hawks trade sending Dejounte Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans this past offseason.
He would be a logical candidate barring a potential move with another Hawks player.
It could take some time to come together. But Djurisic with the Hawks’ second unit featuring Bogdanovic, De’Andre Hunter, and Onyeka Okongwu, and with Vit Krejci offering another Djurisic-like presence – or Larry Nance Jr. or Garrison Mathews – would be versatile.
Moreover, lineups featuring Djurisic, Trae Young, and Jalen Johnson, could give defenses fits with their court vision.
Djurisic is not Doncic. No one is like Doncic. But Djurisic is an intriguing piece of the Hawks’ future.