Could the hiatus bring out FIBA Bogi?

During regular offseason periods, Bogdan Bogdanovic usually engages in international play with Serbia. While that makes it difficult for his body to rest from the grind of the NBA season, the hiatus brought upon by the coronavirus means Bogdanovic had several months to rest. 

Ever since Bogdanovic officially signed with the Sacramento Kings in the 2017-18 season, he’s hardly seen any time to focus on rest or have a normal offseason. 

Bogdanovic played in 78 games as a rookie, holding a crucial role to the squad. Though the Kings finished 27-55, failing to qualify for the playoffs for the 12th year in a row, Bogdanovic shed some light for a brighter future. He finished the season averaging 11.8 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 0.9 steals on 44.6% shooting from the field and a blazing 39.2% from deep on 4.2 attempts a game. 

Unfortunately, an MRI procedure revealed that Bogi had a slight tear of the medial meniscus in his left knee. Instead of working on his craft to head into his sophomore season, it became an offseason that prioritized recovery and rehab as he underwent surgery in late April of 2018. 

Bogi missed the early portion of the following season and his return brought a welcome sight to a team finding their identity as run-and-gunners under Dave Joerger. Bogi would only miss two games for the rest of the season after his initial return, though it was evident that the injury contained some lingering effects. 

Bogdanovic played nearly the same amount of minutes per game as he did his rookie year but his role on offense increased, largely due to the fact that Zach Randolph didn’t occupy the ball in the post anymore. That became a bonus for all the youngsters. Though Bogi saw increases in his point, rebound, assist and steal averages as the team’s sixth man, there was a regression in his game. 

The shooting guard saw a dip in his overall shooting. He took more attempts both inside and outside the arc as well as an uptick in free throw attempts, but all clips dropped in efficiency. Bogdanovic’s FG% dropped to 41.8 on 12.3 attempts, 3P% to 36.0 on 5.3 attempts and FT% to 82.7 on 2.3 attempts. Not to mention, Bogi suffered through a big slump later in the season where he struggled to buy a bucket. 

In the summer, Bogi joined Serbia in the FIBA World Cup and tore it up where the FIBA Bogi nicknamed was coined. FIBA Bogi was arguably the best player on Serbia during the tournament in a roster that also included Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic. In eight games, Bogi averaged 22.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.3 steals while shooting 55.6% on 13.5 attempts and 53% from deep on 8.3 attempts. Bogdanovic finished the tournament with the most points scored by any player at 183. 

This current season, it’s difficult to conclude whether Bogi improved or not. His season averages compared to last season are up and down throughout, but there hasn’t been any noticeable differences other than his free throw percentage falling to 72.4. Inconsistent shooting and constant lower body injuries have largely marred Bogi in his contract year, but because the coronavirus wiped out all sports, there has been plenty of time for Bogi to get his body to 100%. 

Given that there’s still the rest of June and all of July, Bogi could be in prime shape to thrive in an environment where every game will truly matter. If this hiatus brings FIBA Bogi to Florida, that is a scary sign for other teams competing for the eighth seed.