Conference finalists to everyone’s surprise last season, the Hawks have nevertheless had a very complicated campaign this year. The hangover effect maybe…
Not spared by injuries, including Clint Capela but also Bogdan Bogdanovic, the Georgia franchise was knocked out in the first round, in five rounds and without real resistance, against Miami.
For the Serbian shooter from Atlanta, it’s a necessarily disappointing end to the season compared to the potential displayed by his team over the past two years. But it is finally only a postponement for Hawks still young and very ambitious. And who should take an example from their adversary…
“I’m proud of what we achieved anyway. It’s important to play on this stage of the playoffs “, put Bogdan Bogdanovic into perspective in his end-of-season interview. ” Obviously, the end result is not what we wanted, especially with the expectations of last season. We have a big challenge ahead of us next season. It’s still a good experience. I think of the Heat, which was swept away last season in the first round and which arrived ready like never before this year. We can take them as an example and follow this path. »
While Hawks GM Travis Schlenk recently announced that he would try to improve the squad instead of leaving it as is, which had been the strategy after their conference final, Bogdan Bogdanovic leans on him. on the concrete example of Miami, currently well on its way to reaching the conference final in the East.
« [Dans la Bulle], the Heat were in the finals and after a short offseason, they came back but they were knocked out in the first round on a broomstick. I think we are in a similar situation. We know what we have to do for next season. We have to start the season better. We must arrive with a regenerated state of mind and set small goals on the way to get the big goal at the end of the season. »
“I will have my best season in my career next season”
Unable to find rhythm with his recurring knee problems, Bogdan Bogdanovic was like his team in these playoffs: on alternating current. Blowing hot (29 points in 28 minutes in Game 2 or 18 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists in Game 3 – the Hawks’ only victory) and cold (1/14 in shots in Game 1 and 4 combined) , before finishing the series in the infirmary and not being able to play Game 5…
“I want to come back next season with my body in perfect health and having some things in place for my knee. I think I’m going to have my career best season next season. I really think so ! »
Greeted in stunning silence by the Atlanta media, this assertion could, however, take on an important echo next year. Former Euroleague winner, Olympic vice-champion and world vice-champion, multiple MVP in Turkey and Serbia, he is not used to throwing words into the air.
At 15 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists this year, the 29-year-old Serbian fullback knows he hasn’t delivered his best basketball. After a full summer of recuperation, the “Horde Leader,” as he calls himself on social media, will no doubt be more motivated than ever to get his Hawks back on top.
“I think I improved this season to get my points in the key or on the free throw line. And also halfway. I will continue to work on this because I still think I can improve, especially if I get back in shape and health. My goal is to be able to become a real offensive threat with these qualities near the circle but also my shot from distance. I fundamentally believe in the importance of work, so I will continue to follow my routine, modifying it a little. But I will continue to work, that’s how I move forward. »
| Bogdan Bogdanovic | Percentage | Bounces | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saison | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | LF | Off | Def | Until | Pd | Fte | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2017-18 | SAC | 78 | 28 | 44.6 | 39.2 | 84.0 | 0.4 | 2.5 | 2.9 | 3.3 | 2.2 | 0.9 | 1.6 | 0.2 | 11.8 |
| 2018-19 | SAC | 70 | 28 | 41.8 | 36.0 | 82.7 | 0.6 | 2.9 | 3.5 | 3.8 | 2.0 | 1.0 | 1.7 | 0.2 | 14.1 |
| 2019-20 | SAC | 61 | 29 | 44.0 | 37.2 | 74.1 | 0.4 | 3.0 | 3.4 | 3.4 | 2.2 | 1.1 | 1.7 | 0.3 | 15.2 |
| 2020-21 | ATL | 44 | 30 | 47.3 | 43.8 | 90.9 | 0.5 | 3.2 | 3.6 | 3.3 | 2.3 | 1.1 | 1.2 | 0.3 | 16.4 |
| 2021-22 | ATL | 63 | 29 | 43.1 | 36.8 | 84.3 | 0.5 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 3.1 | 2.1 | 1.1 | 1.1 | 0.2 | 15.1 |
| Total | 316 | 29 | 43.9 | 38.4 | 82.2 | 0.5 | 3.0 | 3.4 | 3.4 | 2.2 | 1.0 | 1.5 | 0.2 | 14.2 | |
