Bogdan Bogdanovic reflects on his future, asks for rules on naturalized players / News - Basketnews.com

Bogdan Bogdanovic talks to BasketNews about Serbia's adjustments ahead of the World Cup. He also addresses his own future and comments on Partizan's success and the arrival of NBA stars in Europe.

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

Bogdan Bogdanovic scored 15 points, along with 7 rebounds and 5 assists, as Serbia downed hosts Greece 71-64 to clinch their first win in the 32nd Acropolis Tournament which takes place at OAKA. On Wednesday, the Eagles will face Italy (18:45 CET).

Bogdan Bogdanovic

Position:SGAge:30Height:198 cmWeight:93 kgBirth place:Belgrade, SerbiaProfileNewsStatistics

The Serbian sharpshooter helped his squad at crucial moments in his return to the national team after four years. The last time Bogdanovic, 30, played with Serbia in a major competition was in the 2019 World Cup.

Ahead of another challenge, theAtlanta Hawksshooting guard shared with BasketNews some of his thoughts on Serbia's adjustments to Vasilije Micic's and Nikola Jokic's absences.

Bogdanovic also commented on his four-year contract extension that is slated to keep him with the Atlanta Hawks until 2027, the chances of him returning to Europe and the trend that has seen several former NBA stars sign with European teams. The 2017 continental champ with Fenerbahce gave his take on naturalized players populating national teams' rosters and named the conditions on which he would be in favor of such an option for Serbia.

What's the overall sensation ahead of the World Cup?

We played one friendly game. We and Greece know each other well. Everybody was trying their game and getting used to each other. Chemistry is the most important thing right now.

How's the team adjusting to Nikola Jokic's and Vasilije Micic's absences?

We don't think about that right now. We thought about it before. We have good players, like [Nikola] Milutinov. We're not sorry about their absence nor do we fear that we will be eliminated.

We still have to compete and think positively. Some guys wouldn't play a lot of minutes if Jokic and Vasa were here. When somebody's missing, it's a good chance for someone else to prove themselves.

Credit Serbian Basketball Federation

How do you feel after being back with Serbia after four years?

It's always a different game. So, I still need some games to adjust.

You recently signed a four-year extension with the Atlanta Hawks, which will make them the team you'll be staying the longest in your career.

(laughs) Yeah, Partizan and them.

So, how did that happen?

They told me they want to keep me until the end of my career. So, I'm working there. I like the atmosphere and what we're creating year by year. It's been up and down, but I feel like we'll get better.

Since you mentioned Partizan, what do you think of their recent feats?

They've had amazing success last year, but I know Zeljko [Obradovic] isn't fully proud of it. He wants more challenges, to win the EuroLeague. Both Serbian teams have done good signings, but it's too early to talk about it.

This summer, we've seen many big names from the NBA move to Europe, with Jabari Parker being the latest. What's your take on that?

It's a trend right now. I'll say I know a lot of guys in the States who think it's a failure to come to Europe. But I don't think so. It's a new challenge and the EuroLeague is a tough league.

Players know both leagues are hard. You still need to score, defend, and prove yourself. Especially when you change the league, nobody knows your name. So, you need to improve all the time.

Would you consider going back to Europe?

We'll see, I don't know right now.

If so, which team would you choose? Partizan or Fenerbahce?

It's too early. It's a tough decision.

Many teams deploy naturalized players. Would you be in favor of such a decision for the Serbian NT?

It's good for basketball, but it needs to be regulated. In my opinion, players need to play in the league first and learn the culture -- similar to what [Thomas] Walkup did for Greece. I can't mention anyone, but he's a good example -- embrace the culture, learn the language a little bit... You need to have some rules, not just pay players to play.

What do you think about the Greek national team?

They're always tough, playing strong. Now, they're faster. They've developed every single guy with the FIBA windows. They know how to play. I know we can cross paths in the quarter-finals and I hope we'll play them again. It's always good to play here in Athens. Greece is always a great host.

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