2. Evaluating Utah Jazz forward Bojan Bogdanovic against the Thunder
Stats for Bojan Bogdanovic:
- 28 minutes
- 22 points
- 10-for-17 from the field, 2-for-6 from three
- Four rebounds
- Two assists
- One steal
- Zero blocks
- One turnover
- One foul
Utah Jazz combo forward Bojan Bogdanovic is no stranger to leading a squad in scoring on any given night. Replay the seven outings of 30 points or more from the “Croatian Sensation” last season, including a 48-point performance in May when both Donovan Mitchell and Mike Conley were out with injuries.
And against the Oklahoma City Thunder on opening night, the 6-foot-7, 225-pound Bogdanovic was crafty, nifty, and all-around silky in the scoring department. Just take a look:
📹| @44bojan led us in scoring tonight: 22p | 4r | 2a | 1s#TakeNote | @ZionsBank pic.twitter.com/GxZS9hi6Bz
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) October 21, 2021
Plus, the 32-year-old steered clear of the silly mistakes he’s made in the past when forcing the action with excessive dribbling.
Bogdanovic stayed out of foul trouble. He contributed on defense. He was a willing and effective passer. He frequently lit up the scoreboard on several occasions and in a variety of ways. No, you can’t ask for much more than that from the seventh-year NBA veteran and third-year Jazzman.
At this time last season, Bogdanovic looked uncomfortable while still fully rehabbing his wrist injury. As for right now, he seems fully healthy. A promising sign, indeed.
Player grade: 94 (A)