Indiana Pacers Nab Bojan Bogdanovic
With the Wizards forced to deal with matching Otto Porter’s offer sheet the Pacers are the benefactors as they swoop in to grab Bogdanovic.
The Washington Wizards opted to renounce Bojan Bogdanovic, in an effort to create cap space for signing Otto Porter, allowing him to sign a two-year deal worth $21 million. The second year of that contract is said to be a partial guarantee of $1.5 million.
Bojan Bogdanovic 2016–17 Stats:
12.7 points (45.7 field goal percentage, 39.1 3-point percentage), 3.1 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.4 steals
Fit:
There are not many teams in this league Bojan would not fit with his ability to shoot the ball. From his time in Brooklyn to Washington he’s been a important piece for teams looking to add spacing for their primary ball handlers to navigate in.
Indiana recently acquired Darren Collison and Victor Oladipo to bolster their backcourt. Two players known more as slashers than shooters. Therefore Bogdanovic’s assets as a floor spacer and perimeter threat is a perfect marriage of talent. Moreover, this gives the Pacers options with Bogdanovic or Domantas Sabonis from the forward position to play alongside Myles Turner. Ultimately it is an upgrade for Indiana who were sorely lacking depth in that area.
Last year, Bojan was traded with the intent to bolster the Wizards bench unit that struggled putting the orange ball in the basketball hoop. Seriously though they were ranked 29th in scoring heaping even more pressure on the shoulders of Bradley Beal and John Wall. Bojan was the 5th leading scorer on the team and most consistent reserve piece. He moves well without the ball, off screens and in transition. In general, he has a knack for freeing himself up for scoring opportunities and can catch fire at any given moment.
For all of his offensive ability, his defense doesn’t nearly compare. His reaction times aren’t quick and aggressive enough in closeout situations leaving him as a liability. The effort is there but the technique isn’t always sharp. Indiana was in the middle of the pack last season with a 106.3 defensive rating and he won’t do a ton to change that.
Grade: C
Given the terms of the deal, this was a respectable move made on Indiana’s end. Can’t same the same as far as the Paul George trade, but its a piece much needed given the lack of shooting presently on the team. Low risk, high reward.
In other news, the Atlanta Hawks have reached a buyout with veteran guard Jamal Crawford Friday afternoon.
Once the three team deal involving the Hawks, Clippers and Nuggets was made final it was made known by various reporters that Crawford had no interest to play for Atlanta. Since the buyout became official, Crawford’s name is linked to teams like: Minnesota, Washington, Cleveland and Boston.
