Smith: Bogdanovic might be the key for the Pacers
By TYLER SMITH (@TylerSmith_ISL)
ISL Editor
(Photo by Pacers Sports and Entertainment)
When the Indiana Pacers signed Bojan Bogdanovic last July, very few believed it was a “winning move.” The Pacers weren’t expected to compete at a playoff level, and Bogdanovic was brought in to give the team some shooting or possibly become a trade chip as they began to rebuild… or so it seemed.
Fast forward to April. The Pacers are in the playoffs as the No.5-seed in the Eastern Conference. And not only is Bogdanovic a big part of this team, he might actually be the key to their playoff chances.
When Bogdanovic plays well, the Pacers win games. The numbers back that up:
In wins- 16.0 PPG, 52% FG, 45% 3’s.
In losses- 11.8 PPG, 40% FG, 33% 3’s.
This season, the Pacers were 20-6 when Bogey made three or more 3-pointers in a game. They were also 12-3 when he scored 20+ points. Like most teams, 3-point shooting was a huge factor in the Pacers success or lack thereof. Indiana went 22-6 when they made more 3’s than their opponent, compared to 23-25 when they didn’t. Add all of this up- you can see how important Bogdanovic will be to the Pacers playoff chances.
Nate McMillan loves to start possessions with a floppy set for Bojan Bogdanovic. Sometimes, it is just a standard set that many teams run. Other times, it starts out with a wrinkle where the Croatian sets a screen to ignite a switch in the defense before the action has begun: pic.twitter.com/q2KjL76zLw
— Pacers Film Room (@PacersFilmRoom) March 24, 2018
Bogdanovic was the second leading-scorer (14.3 ppg) on a team that nearly won 50 games. He was even better after the All-Star break, averaging 15.7 ppg, while shooting 44% from deep. He only missed two games all season (the last one to rest), and proved to be much more than just a spot-up shooter.
“I just knew he was a good shooter,” Victor Oladipo told the Indy Star. “He’s done a great job defensively on some of the toughest wings in the world. We ask a lot of him on both ends.”
Being able to hold his own on the defensive end has been an unexpected boost for this team. If Victor Oladipo had to guard the best wing for 35 minutes every night, he wouldn’t be as effective on offense.
The star of the game. pic.twitter.com/3a1yZqV1Ex
— Tyler Smith (@TylerSmith_ISL) March 6, 2018
Bogdanovic also has some playoff experience. Add Bogey to the long list of solid moves by Pacers President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard.
“He was an integral part of a playoff team last year,” Pritchard said after the Pacers signed Bogdanovic. “We love his competitiveness and his ability to shoot with range. We feel like he’s a perfect fit in terms of character both on and off the court. We look forward to having him as part of the Pacers’ family.”
Not many people believed in Bojan Bogdanovic. Not many people believed in the Indiana Pacers. Last month, Bogdanovic said it best: “You’ve got to believe always in yourself and your teammates. I know most of the league didn’t. This is their problem.”
Victor Oladipo said “Let’s go shock the world” to Pacer fans on Tuesday night. The play of Bogdanovic will be a major factor in that pursuit.
