Peachtree Hoops: 2023-24 Atlanta Hawks season review: Bogdan Bogdanovic

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Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images

Frankly, a season worthy of the Sixth Man of the Year Award

In probably what was one of his healthiest seasons as a member of the Atlanta Hawks, Bogdan Bogdanovic continued his sharpshooting and possibly was snubbed as a Sixth Man of the Year candidate.

After an injury-riddled season which only saw him on the court for 54 games last season, Bogdanovic came back this season and played in 79 games, the most he's ever played in his career. To add to that, he finished 43rd in the league in total minutes played.

Playing in the FIBA World Cup during the summer was the first step for Bogdanovic, and he had several good games for Serbia. His strong play followed into the Hawks season, coming off the bench and being the spark that the second unit needed. With the Hawks not having much efficient 3-point shooting in the starting lineup, when Bogdanovic came on the floor, that changed, especially when Trae Young was still on the floor.

Beyond his perimeter shooting, Bogdanovic found ways to get into the middle of the defense, pull up for mid-range shots, and attack the paint. He’s always been a player not afraid to take a shot either, and regardless of whether a hand is in his face or not, he was going to knock down the shot.

It was a good thing that Bogdanovic was healthy all season because if he wasn't, things could have looked really different for the Hawks. With Bogdanovic on the bench, the Hawks had a -8.0 net rating, but when he was on the court, they were 9.9 points per 100 possessions better. Having a full season under Quin Snyder and his system must have been a good thing, especially since he was able to take way more three-pointers. He averaged a career-high in three-point attempts with 8.1 per game.

Toward the end of the season, Bogdanovic had to give up his bench role to move to the starting lineup with Young hurt, but that was no problem. He played some of his best basketball at that time — and some of his most efficient as well.

It was confusing for many why Bogdanovic wasn't a better Sixth Man of the Year candidate to end the season. Out of all the qualified candidates, he averaged the most points, and the team was much better with him on the court. And yet, he finished fifth in voting.

With the Hawks possibly having another roster shakeup this season, it would be a good idea to make sure Bogdanovic is not moved after the year that he’s had. It could be hard to find consistent bench play, so it's imperative to keep a player like Bogdanovic on the team.

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