The Atlanta Hawks enter the season with a roster that teeters between a complete rebuild and the hope of contending for victory.
Atlanta is hoping to be in the Eastern Conference mix when all is said and done this year, but realistically, the chances of that happening are slim.
However, if the Hawks want to have any chance of making the playoffs, they will need contributions from someone other than Trae Young.
“With a 38.4 percent three-point shooting percentage, Bogdanović can be counted on to provide quality shooting and excellent secondary facilitation,” wrote Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report. “Capable of running the ball, bending defenses, and switching between the two roles when necessary, the 31-year-old is basically everything you could want in a top-tier reserve.”
“The Hawks appear destined to post a win total in the 30s, which could make it difficult to convince voters that Bogdanović’s contributions off the bench actually matter. But team success isn’t the same deciding factor for sixth man as it is for MVP. The fact that Bogdanović finished as high as he did last season gives hope that he can climb the rankings even if Atlanta disappoints.”
Bogdanović is coming off a breakout season, averaging 16.9 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists with the Hawks last season. The 32-year-old played in 79 games last year, including 33 starts.
In these matches, it can be said that the Serbian product was Atlanta’s most consistent player last season.
That said, Bogdanović could be the key off the bench for the Hawks if the team hopes to exceed the expectations set on the franchise before the season.
Regardless of the Hawks’ record, the point guard could be the underdog to win the Sixth Man of the Year award.
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