Bronze medal perfectly sets up Bogdan Bogdanovic for Hawks' season

Bogdan Bogdanovic had a summer to remember at the 2024 Paris Olympics, winning a bronze medal with Team Serbia. Bogdanovic already made headlines for his energetic performance in a heartbreaking semifinal loss to Team USA. The Americans clawed back from a 17-point deficit to secure a 95-91 victory over Serbia.

Following his viral emulation of Carmelo Anthony's iconic 3-pointer celebration, Bogdanovic and Anthony showed mutual love and respect over social media. After Serbia's bronze-clinching victory, Bogdanovic shared a special moment with Anthony.

Led by three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, Serbia defeated Germany 93-83 in the bronze medal game. Bogdanovic poured in 16 points on 3-of-4 shooting from three. Across six outings at the Olympics, Bogi averaged 18.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.8 assists. He shot an incredible 46.2% from deep, nailing three 3-pointers per game. 

"Bogi Buckets" made history at these Olympics, becoming Serbia’s all-time leading scorer in international play. He passed Milos Teodosic on Aug. 3 when he exploded for 30 points in Serbia’s last group-stage matchup.

Needless to say, Bogdanovic has set himself up for a great fifth season with the Hawks. Atlanta’s sharpshooting swingman enters a new era of Hawks basketball with a chance to take over as the starting shooting guard in place of Dejounte Murray.

Even if the Hawks go with more youth in the starting lineup, Bogdanovic will still play a key role as one of Atlanta’s most polished scorers. The Serbian sensation averaged 16.9 points across 79 games last season. He started in only 33 of those contests, but he still played more than 30 minutes a night. 

Bogdan Bogdanovic was one of the best shooters in the NBA last season

Bogdanovic finished No. 6 in the NBA in total 3-pointers made and No. 9 in 3-pointers per game. After setting career-highs in total points, threes, and minutes last year, Bogdanovic could not have maintained his momentum better than he did in Paris. Last season, he also notched career-highs in total rebounds, steals, and blocks. He also hit a career-best 151 free throws on the best mark of his career – 92.1% from the charity stripe.

Hawks fans took serious note of Bogdanovic’s inspiring play at the Olympics. 

Bogdanovic was a consistent top-10 candidate in the Olympics MVP race throughout the tournament. Hawks fans will hope to see the 31-year-old continue his dominant form into the 2024-25 campaign.

If Olympics Bogdanovic shows up in the fall, Quin Snyder may have no choice but to start him. Either way, he will close out many games for the Hawks – particularly when his shot is on.

Bogdanovic has officially become one of the more underrated players in basketball. He finished fifth in Sixth Man of the Year voting last season, but Atlanta’s lack of national media coverage has kept Bogdanovic relatively hidden among the NBA’s elite shooters.

Over the years, he and Trae Young have quietly produced some awesome offense in Atlanta’s backcourt. Last season, they each reached 1,000 career 3-pointers on the same night.

The Hawks have a fascinating training camp on the horizon. Coming off a second Olympic medal of his career, Bogdanovic will compete for a starting spot with the likes of Zaccharie Risacher, Dyson Daniels, and De’Andre Hunter.

Based on his experience starting next to Young in a playoff setting, Bogdanovic could have the edge over his less-proven teammates.