Like many NBA teams, the Brooklyn Nets have seen players make a name for themselves and depart to other franchises. However, sometimes, things come full circle, and that player finds himself back with the franchise he got his start with. Bojan Bogdanovic is one of those players.
Bogdanovic started his NBA career with the Nets during the 2014-15 season, building a strong foundation. He averaged 9.0 points and shot 35.5 percent on his three-pointers. Bogdanovic experienced steady improvement and eventually lept to average 14.2 points during the 2016-17 season. That was his last year with Brooklyn, as he went on a several-team stint featuring the Washington Wizards, Indiana Pacers, Utah Jazz, Detroit Pistons, and New York Knicks over the next nine seasons that followed.
When the Nets traded Mikal Bridges to the Knicks, Bogdanovic was one of the pieces included. After roughly seven years, the offensive-minded forward is back in the borough. He comes off a 29-game stint with New York, where he averaged 10.4 points per game. However, just two seasons prior, Bogdanovic averaged a career high 21.2 points on a red-hot 41.5 percent three-point shooting clip.
Before being traded to Brooklyn in 2024, Bogdanovic had surgery on his foot and wrist but received a positive injury update ahead of his appearance in Drazen Petrovic's honorary game that took place in September.
With Bogdanovic healthy, he has an important task to fulfill for Brooklyn during the 2024-25 season.
Bojan Bogdanovic can be a mentor and provide reliable offensive support
At 35 years old, Bogdanovic will enter the 2024-25 season as the oldest player on the Nets' roster. His extensive experience should serve the young squad well, as he can help mentor players. However, make no mistake, Bogdanovic still retains the ability to help the Nets on the court.
As mentioned, Bogdanovic is less than two years removed from a 20-point scoring average season and is a respectable three-point shooter. The Nets' small forward minutes will likely be taken up by a combination of Cameron Johnson and Jalen Wilson, but Bogdanovic can provide stout support off the bench.
Even if Bogdanovic does not receive significant minutes, he can provide great value for the team in practice. Although, his $19 million contract might influence Brooklyn to give him floor time.
It is great see Bojan Bogdanovic back in the borough for the next chapter of the Nets' endeavors. His presence should prove to be an asset for Brooklyn as they move forward with their rebuild.