Who better to give Utah Jazz fans analysis of what they’re getting in Bojan Bogdanovic than an Indiana Pacers fan that’s watched him intently over the last two years?
The Indiana Pacers had just traded Paul George, and were seemingly entering a rebuilding phase. They acquired Victor Oladipo, but still needed someone to take George’s place at the small forward position.
They had a promising young player in Glenn Robinson III, and decided to get the signature of Bojan Bogdanovic on a two-year deal. It was a very team-friendly contract and one that made perfect sense for a rebuilding team. It also made perfect sense for Bogdanovic, who was simply looking for a team that provided the most opportunity.
I don’t think anyone expected the two sides to fall in love with each other, but they did. Pacers fans were wishing Bogdanovic signed a four-year contract, rather than the two-year deal. There’s no denying the satisfaction Pacers fans got from watching Bogdanovic light it up from deep and deliver memorable playoff moments, like in Game 3 of the first round of the 2018 NBA Playoffs, when Bogdanovic scored 30 points with seven three-pointers.
I’ve got to say, I’ve never seen a player make a defensive turnaround like Bogdanovic did in Indiana. Prior to signing with the Pacers, Bogdanovic was having a hard time seeing the floor in playoff games for the Washington Wizards due to his defense, or lack thereof. A year later, Bogdanovic was guarding LeBron James in the NBA Playoffs and was doing a heck of a job.
Obviously, defense is a priority for the Utah Jazz. Had he not improved immensely on that end of the floor, you’ve got to wonder if he would have been a target for the Jazz. He certainly wouldn’t be getting the $80 million he got. Why spend $80 million on a guy who was unplayable in big games because he couldn’t defend?
Bogdanovic had a reputation for simply being a lethal shooter, but he put that to bed last season. When Victor Oladipo went down with a season-ending knee injury, someone needed to pick up the offensive burden for the Pacers. It was Bogdanovic, who scored in a variety of ways. Taking advantage of mismatches in the post, driving to the rim and finishing through contact with his funny “aye!” or simply drawing fouls.
Or, even dunking on a great defensive player (see clip below), falling down and slapping his head on the hardwood floor. The most impressive part of this play was the fact that he stayed in the game and took the fall like a champ.
https://twitter.com/NBATV/status/1093841877483147264
Ultimately, the Jazz are getting a tough customer and a guy who’s very capable of being second fiddle on a team. With Utah, he’ll be the 3rd option on offense, which should benefit him and get him a lot of open looks. He is just money when left open from deep.
He probably won’t average the 18 points per game he averaged for the Pacers, but he’s one of the biggest free agent signings in franchise history. I’ll miss Bogdanovic on my Pacers, but I’m glad he’ll be competing for a title with the Jazz.