via Reuters
Paris 2024 Olympics – Basketball – Men’s Semifinal – United States vs Serbia – Bercy Arena, Paris, France – August 08, 2024. Nikola Jokic of Serbia and Uros Plavsic of Serbia react. REUTERS/Brian Snyder
via Reuters
Paris 2024 Olympics – Basketball – Men’s Semifinal – United States vs Serbia – Bercy Arena, Paris, France – August 08, 2024. Nikola Jokic of Serbia and Uros Plavsic of Serbia react. REUTERS/Brian Snyder
Bogdan Bogdanović is one of the top off-ball shooters in the league right now. Last season, he came in fifth for Sixth Man of the Year and even broke the Hawks’ record with 240 threes. The Serbian’s clutch, always stepping up when it counts. During the Olympics, he balled out for Serbia, helping them snag the bronze and giving Team USA a real run in the semis.
Following Bogdanovic’s farewell game at the Night of the Dragon event, the Hawks’ assistant coach, Igor Kokoskov, had some words to share about the three-time MVP Nikola Jokić‘s teammate. “He has always been there for the national team, responded, played with a lot of emotions that people can appreciate and recognize. They are grateful to him,” said Kokoskov. After his impressive performance in the Paris Olympics this year, it’s clear why Bogdanović earned such high praise.
“He was already a great worker, but the NBA ruined him,” he jokingly added on the 32-year-old Serbian guard. The NBA is known for its demanding nature, with its rigorous schedule, intense competition, and physical toll affecting players both physically and mentally, so by saying this jokingly, Kokoskov is acknowledging that although Bogdanović has always worked hard, the NBA’s demands have made his career more challenging.
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He also pointed out that Bogdanović is close to smashing some national and FIBA records, hyping him up as a “real captain.” But let’s be real—some of Bogdanović’s moves might make you question if he’s really living up to that title.
Polls of the day
Poll 1 of 5
Do you think Nikola Jokic's teammate deserves to be hailed as the "real captain" despite his troubled history?
Absolutely
No way
Maybe, but it's complicated
I need more information
Who is the most impressive WNBA player in recent history?
Caitlin Clark
Courtney Vandersloot
Chelsea Gray
Other
Whats your Perspective on:
Has the NBA really ruined this talented player, or is he just misunderstood?
Have an interesting take?
Do you think the disconnection between A'ja Wilson and her teammates will cost the LV Aces their three-peat?
Absolutely
No way
Maybe
Too early to tell
Do you think Joe Lacob's $22 million plan will save the Warriors' season?
Absolutely
No way
Only time will tell
It's a risky move
A closer look into Bogdanović’s troubled history on the court
Remember when Bogdanović and Hawks coach Quinn Snyder got into it during that game against the Bulls last season? That’s probably one of those moments Bogdanović wishes he could take back.
Even though both tried to brush it off in their post-game comments—Bogdanović was like, “We are doing this almost every other minute or we are verbally fighting all the time, which is normal. That means we both care and everyone cares. … Quin is my guy, for sure. And, he was pushing me through the whole year. We had this like, fights, little fights. It’s normal that happens,”, — a public dispute between a player and coach doesn’t reflect well on team chemistry.
In addition, during the semifinal game, the Hawks’ guard got into a scuffle with LeBron James and was seen mimicking Carmelo Anthony’s famous ‘Three-To-The-Dome’ celebration every time he made a three-pointer. This, along with some verbal exchanges, was viewed by fans as disrespectful to the 40-year-old NBA legend. With all this in mind, can Bogdanović truly be considered a “real captain”?
Before you go, remember to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.
Debate
Has the NBA really ruined this talented player, or is he just misunderstood?