Bogdan Bogdanovic might be in his first NBA season, but he plays like a veteran. Continue reading for an analysis of the unique Bogdanovic.
Bogdan Bogdanovic is an exceptional talent and a proven winner. Bogdanovic is precisely the type of playmaker that the Sacramento Kings have desperately needed for some time. He plays with such a level of confidence and feel for the game that you can almost mistake him for a veteran. His energy is contagious, he elevates the play of his teammates, and he has proven to be an adept ball handler, passer, and distributor who can consistently create his own offense. Bogdanovic also happens to be an exceptional shooter. Wednesday night versus Cleveland, Bogdan was three of six from beyond the arc and scored 16 points to help rally the Kings to a victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Underrated Defense
Merely analyzing Bogdanovic’s skillset on offense doesn’t do him any justice, however. Bogdan is a complete player. The type of multi-dimensional baller that any team can build around. Bogdan stands 6’6 and has a long wingspan that gives him an advantage on the defensive side of the ball. With all of the attention on Bogdan’s offensive repertoire, it’s easy to overlook his defensive prowess. The former Serbian basketball phenom just doesn’t get enough credit when it comes to his impact and effort on defense. Bogdanovic averages 1.1 steals a game and leads the team in that category. The truth of the matter is, the Kings are significantly better defensively when Bogdan is on the floor. His defensive intensity is contagious, the Kings swarm to the ball, and Bogdanovic seems to be the spark that ignites the flame.
What many fail to remember about Bogdanovic is that he’s no typical rookie player. Bogdan was electrifying as a member of the Serbian national team. He has played professionally on the world’s biggest stage against the world’s biggest basketball stars. What is more impressive is the fact that he more than held is own in those matchups, and he has established himself as a premier talent.
Related Story: Kings holiday wish: Let Malachi Richardson play
Cat’s Out of the Bag
All accolades aside, it’s time for Bogdan to unleash his wrath on the NBA. We’ve all seen the tape and watched the endless highlight videos. As fans, we know what Bogdan can do.
The Kings are at their best when Bogdan takes control and doesn’t shy away from the spotlight. Coach Dave Joerger echoed this sentiment in a direct quote Jason Jones‘ article in the Sacramento Bee.
"“I’m going to implore him to be a little more selfish-welcome to the NBA,” Joerger said. “He’s passing up some shots that I need him to take.”"
Frequently this season, Bogdan’s numbers have left you wanting a little more. We know that Bogdan is capable of playing at a high level. Some of us have followed his career overseas ever since the Kings acquired his rights in a trade with the Suns, and are familiar with his success. The apparent hope of Kings fans is that Bogdan can replicate that success in the NBA. Ultimately, Bogdanovic needs to take coach’s advice. In some ways, I feel as if we have yet to witness Bogdan’s game at the level we expected before the season began.
Next: Kings holiday wish: Starter's minutes for Skal Labissiere
What’s encouraging is that it’s still early on in the season, and Bogdan is getting acclimated to competing against NBA talent on a nightly basis. For Bogdanovic to take that next step, he must continue to do what he did against the Cavs, and be a playmaker. The ball is in Bogdan’s court, and it’s up to him to unleash his true potential and continue to wreak havoc on the rest of the league.