Bogdan Bogdanovic’s NBA Journey Nears a Crossroads
Bogdan Bogdanovic has had his moments-plenty of them, in fact. From his early days in Sacramento to his breakout stretch in Atlanta, the Serbian sharpshooter carved out a reputation as a savvy scorer who could heat up in a hurry. But now, midway through the 2025-26 NBA season, it’s becoming clear: the version of Bogdanovic that once lit up second units and closed games for playoff contenders may be fading into the past.
From Sacramento Spark to Atlanta Mainstay
Bogdanovic’s NBA story began on a Kings team that was still trying to find its identity. Despite the franchise’s struggles, he showed flashes of the polished, high-IQ game that made him a star overseas. But it wasn’t until he landed in Atlanta during the 2020 offseason that he truly found his NBA footing.
Paired with Trae Young, Bogdanovic quickly became a key piece in a Hawks offense that was both dynamic and unpredictable. His ability to space the floor, create off the dribble, and knock down tough shots made him a natural complement to Young’s playmaking.
That first season in Atlanta? It was impressive.
He cracked the starting lineup late in the year, replacing Kevin Huerter, and gave the Hawks a boost heading into the postseason.
Even as his role shifted over the years-eventually giving way to Huerter again, and later Dejounte Murray-Bogdanovic remained a valuable contributor. He settled into a sixth-man role, providing instant offense off the bench.
It wasn’t just fans who took notice. He earned top-six finishes in the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year voting in both 2022 and 2024, a testament to his consistency and impact.
The Trade That Marked a Turning Point
But as the 2025 offseason unfolded, Atlanta made a move that signaled a changing of the guard. Bogdanovic was dealt to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Terance Mann.
The Hawks also sent along a second-round pick that became Mohamed Diawara. On paper, it looked like a clean swap-two players whose value seemed to be trending downward, each in need of a fresh start.
For Atlanta, the timing was spot-on. Bogdanovic’s production had begun to dip, and the team was looking to retool around a younger, more versatile core. Mann, meanwhile, brought defensive versatility and a different kind of energy to the Hawks’ rotation.
The Clippers, on the other hand, were betting that Bogdanovic’s scoring chops could still shine in a new setting. And for a brief moment, that gamble looked like it might pay off.
A Brief Resurgence, Then the Slide
After a rocky start to the season-two straight DNP-CDs to open the year-Bogdanovic eventually found his way back into the Clippers’ rotation. Injuries and inconsistency across the roster opened the door, and the veteran guard stepped through with purpose.
For a stretch, he looked rejuvenated. He shot efficiently, played within himself, and gave Los Angeles some much-needed scoring punch off the bench.
But that spark didn’t last. Bogdanovic has now missed 13 straight games with a hamstring injury, and his overall numbers this season paint a troubling picture.
He’s averaging just 8.0 points per game, shooting 37.6% from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc-all career lows. For a player who made his living as a scoring threat, those numbers are hard to ignore.
What’s Next?
The reality is setting in: Bogdanovic is in the twilight of his NBA career. His contract is set to expire this offseason, and with his production slipping and availability in question, it’s unlikely that a contending team will come calling with a significant role in hand.
That doesn’t mean his career is over-not by a long shot. Veterans with Bogdanovic’s experience and basketball IQ often find ways to stick around, especially on rebuilding teams that value leadership and mentorship. But the days of him being a go-to scorer or a Sixth Man of the Year candidate appear to be behind him.
Still, Bogdanovic’s journey has been a memorable one. From EuroLeague standout to NBA starter, from playoff contributor to respected veteran, he’s left his mark. And while the next chapter may look different, his story isn’t finished yet.