What Brooklyn Nets need from Bojan Bogdanovic to improve next season
The NBA Draft is less than 24 hours away and every fan is dreaming about the pick that will save the franchise. Most fans are hopeful during this time of year, preoccupied thinking about the potential of the players who will enter the NBA for the first time this season. Nets fans, however, should be less worried about the NBA draft and focus on the development of their current young players.
Bojan Bogdanovic’s growth has been one of Brooklyn’s best stories this season. Last season, Bogdanovic ended on a high note. After inconsistent play in the beginning of the season, “Bogie” became a force following the NBA All-Star break. In April, Bogdanovic averaged 14 points and shot a blistering 48.8% from three, good enough to earn the Rookie of the Month honors. While his development last season was promising, Bojan needs to build on his strengths to reach his true potential.
One important aspect of Bogdanovic’s game that must be improved upon is his playmaking ability. After becoming a better passer during his last Euroleague season, Bogdanovic didn’t look to make the extra pass this season, averaging less than one assist a game. He was expected to be a spot-up shooter last season. As a result, Bogdanovic didn’t look to get his teammates involved when he had possession of the ball. However, with the uncertainty of the return of Joe Johnson, Brook Lopez, and Thaddeus Young next season, Bogdanovic will be asked to step up and shoulder more of the offensive load. Bogdanovic has the basketball IQ to be a great playmaker in this league. While his athleticism isn’t great, Bogdanovic has a quick first step and the size to back down defenders. These abilities will come in handy if the Nets try to make him more of a focal point of the offense.
A crucial area of Bogdanovic’s development hinges on him finding another niche in the offense. Right now, he is used exclusively as a spot-up shooter. Last season Bogdanovic averaged .59 PPP and an astounding 30% TO frequency. While ball handling may not be one of his strengths, Bogdanovic must add to his offensive game to make his offense less predictable. One way he can do this is by continuing to function as a spot-up shooter who looks to drive off the pass every so often. This will allow Bogdanovic to facilitate the offense as a playmaker and scorer. Defenders may be hesitant to run him off the three-point line if Bogdanovic beats them off the dribble a few times. Another way Bogdanovic can add to his offense is by establishing a presence in the post. In the post, he averaged .74 PPP and cut his turnover frequency in half. While driving to the basketball and establishing a post game will help Bogdanovic run a multi-faceted offensive attack, he can improve upon his transition scoring (one of his strengths last season). In the past season, Bogdanovic ranked in the top 75th percentile for finishing in transition. His long frame and creativity around the rim has helped the Eurostar convert in transitional offense. With the Nets looking to get younger and more athletic this offseason, Bogdanovic should have no trouble improving his transition offense this coming season.
While a well-balanced offense attack can make Bogdanovic lethal on offense, his defense is perhaps the biggest aspect of his game that needs improvement. Many Euro stars are criticized for their defense as they adjust their game to the NBA game. Bogdanovic is deserving of that criticism after finishing dead last in defensive rating among the Brooklyn Nets. While his lack of athleticism makes it hard for him to keep up with wing players, Bogdanovic must learn to use his size to his advantage when guarding people. Learning to manipulate angles is essential to defense at the NBA level. His long arms and big frame gives Bojan the tools to become at the very least adequate on defense. After a year of exposure to the NBA game, Bogdanovic should have a greater feel of how to work defensively off the ball.
With improvements in these areas, Bogdanovic can continue to grow in the NBA. Forget the NBA Draft or Free Agency, Bogdanovic’s growth should be the Nets’ primary focus this offseason.