Bogdan Bogdanovic Is At His Best In The 6th Man Role
Bogdan Bogdanovic hasn’t been himself as of late. The usually dynamic scorer has been rather quiet. This can be attributed to Dave Joerger. While we can’t fault his coaching choices too much, the decision to start Bogdanovic has proven to be bad for both player and the Sacramento Kings.
Coming off the bench, Bogdan Bogdanovic is absolute money. He provides a spark to the Kings second unit. Ever since the All-Star break, Joerger has opted to start Bogdanovic. Not only does this put him in unfamiliar territory, but it’s also placing his teammates in some rather curious settings.
Harrison Barnes, the Kings trade deadline pickup, has played most of the season for the Dallas Mavericks as a small forward. With Joerger placing Bogdanovic in the starting lineup at SF, this has placed Barnes out of his position. Barnes has finally seemed to have somewhat adjusted to the change, Bogdanovic still hasn’t.
Bogdanovic is a better scorer off the bench. He averages 15 points compared to 13.6 as a starter. That’s not a huge differential at all, but in those close games, that 1 point can make a huge difference. Also, take into account his plus/minus
As a starter, Bogdanovic is -8.1. Coming off the bench he has a +2.4 rating. There’s also the improved field goal percentage. As a reserve, he shoots .434. Compare this to his starting role where he shoots .375.
There are other factors that indicate Bogdanovic as a more reliable option of the bench. His usage rate and offensive rating are higher. The facts prove that Bogdanovic is a much more efficient option coming in with the second unit.
This Bogdanovic starting dilemma hinders the roster. Again, it takes Barnes out of his natural position. Perhaps, when Marvin Bagley III returns he’ll start. This places Barnes at the 3, giving Bogdanovic his place as the 6th man. You need Bagley in the starting unit, as long as Barnes is around to play the 3.
Depending on who the Kings sign in free agency, Bogdanovic might become the starting SF on a permanent basis. If Barnes walks from the Kings next season, Bogdanovic will be the starter at the 3, while Bagley likely starts at the 4. This isn’t an ideal situation, as it’ll kill the bench unit. Taking one of those two out as a starter and it’s going to be Bogdanovic to the bench.
Bogdan Bogdanovic is one of the rare players that has that 6th man mentality. Dave Joerger needs to play him in that role. He’s not getting the most out of Bogdan Bogdanovic as a starter. That’s just a waste of some prime years of basketball.
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Daniel is a guru of baseball and basketball prospects. He’s a very experienced Amusement Park traveler as well. Follow him and his hot takes on Insta @dgentleman9288
