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Indy Star
Overview:
Bojan Bogdanovic was a crucial piece for the Indiana Pacers team after All-Star guard Victor Oladipo went down. Bogdanovic took on a big scoring load and even led the Pacers in scoring during their playoff series against the Boston Celtics. Bogdanovic has the ability to spread the floor as well as finish at the rim. On top of Bogdanovic’s versatile offensive ability, he has shown the ability to guard positions 1-4. Indiana had the league’s best defense, holding their opponents to only 104.9 ppg and Bogdanovic played a big role in that.
Regular Season Stats: 18.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.0 blocks, and 1.7 turnovers on 49.7 FG%, 42.5 3PFG%, and 80.7 FT%.
Postseason Stats: 18.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 2.0 steals, 0.0 blocks, 1.5 turnovers on 39.7 FG%, 43.9 3PFG%, and 88.2 FT%.
Age: 29
Strengths:
Bogdanovic’s ability to shoot the three is undeniable. When it comes to a catch and shoot player, Bogdanovic is one of the best. On top of his ability to sink open shots, he also has the explosion and skill to take the ball to the rim when players are too aggressive on the perimeter. Bogdanovic can be plugged into any team in the NBA and they would instantly become better. He is easy to play with and unselfish. Bogdanovic can also play a high-level of on-ball defense. Due to his offensive ability and defensive mindset, Bogdanovic can be used in any team style of play, making his free agency even more intriguing.
Weaknesses:
Even though Bogdanovic has an incredible perimeter shooting percentage, 92% of his threes are off of assists. This stat illustrates a struggle to create his own shot from range. While Bogdanovic can hold his own against most players defensively, he struggles to force turnovers and block shots. Lastly, Bogdanovic isn’t particularly skilled in transition. This is unfortunate because a handful of teams who have cap space thrive in transition. Every player has their weaknesses and even with some small holes in Bogdanovic’s game, he will be someone to look out for.
Ideal Role:
Bogdanovic is certainly a starter in this league. He fringes on being a third star on a championship team. Bogdanovic is an off-ball player which is tremendously helpful when you are the second or third option. Having a player of Bogdanovic’s caliber, who doesn’t require the ball, will help teams with All-Stars.
Possible Landing Spots:
Indiana Pacers: This is the most likely option for Bogdanovic. No one has been talking about pursuing him and Indiana leaned heavily on Bogdanovic last season. It also helps that Indiana has over $40,000,000 in cap space to give Bogdanovic a competitive deal. It’s hard to see Bogdanovic in any other jersey next season. The Pacers would also have Bird rights on Bogdanovic, giving them the opportunity to go over the cap.
Los Angeles Lakers: It is hard to not put most free agents in the Lakers arena because of last summer’s circus. Aside from the Lakers cap space, Bogdanovic would actually fit really well with a lineup featuring LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Kyle Kuzma. He wouldn’t need the ball; he could sit on the perimeter and take open shots and he could also be a dependable wing defender. The Lakers have the space to sign Bogdanovic, but it is hard to see them out-bidding the Pacers.
Expected Next Contract:
Bogdanovic will likely play in Indiana on a three-year deal. Regardless of who ends up taking him, Bogdanovic will likely be looking for at least $15,000,000. With nearly the entire NBA having cap space, a lot of players around Bogdanovic’s skill-level will be making more than in years past.