For what has been a slow one so far for the Sacramento Kings, the offseason was peppered with a little drama yesterday when the team was down to their last day to match or decline Atlanta’s $74M offer to Bogdan Bogdanovic.
In the final hours, Monte McNair decided, to the dismay of many fans, that keeping Bogdanovic was not in his plan for the future of the team, bringing an end to the Serbian’s time in Sacramento.
Bogdanovic thanked the organization and fans yesterday on Twitter after the news broke.
Thank you so much @SacramentoKings for welcoming me with so much love to start my NBA career. Thank you for allowing me to be myself and giving me the opportunity to follow my dreams!!! Thank you to the fans and the city for welcoming me, and supporting me the whole time!! (1/2) pic.twitter.com/rI2JX5ST1J
— Bogdan Bogdanovic (@LeaderOfHorde) November 25, 2020
I’m going to miss all my friends, teammates and one of the best fan bases in NBA!!!
Thank you,
your guy Bogi. 🙏💜 (2/2) pic.twitter.com/m98D0e0D9k— Bogdan Bogdanovic (@LeaderOfHorde) November 25, 2020
Bogi had a good three-year run in California’s capital as he bounced around from starting and sixth man roles under the direction of Dave Joerger and Luke Walton. Bogdanovic will end his career in Sacramento with a solid stat line of 13.5 points per game on 43% shooting and a 37% clip from deep.
While many are left wondering why the team decided to let Bogdanovic walk, the decision comes down to several factors including the price tag, talent at Bogdanovic’s position, and the 15% trade kicker that Atlanta included in the contract.
Watching Bogi walk stings just a little more because of the fact that the Kings got nothing in return for the shooting guard. Adding to the sting, they had an offer for him a little more than a week ago with the Milwaukee Bucks before it miserably fell apart.
Bogdanovic will be missed in Sacramento as he was one of the more recent bright spots in an organization that has been clouded by mediocrity and insignificance.
One of his greatest shots is one that will forever go down as one of the best Kings moments of all time: when he hit a game winner against the Lakers.
We wish Bogdanovic the very best in Atlanta as the Hawks have acquired a true talent and great person.
Sure, losing Bogdanovic adds to the bitterness of being a fan of a small market team during free agency, but memories of Bogi’s short legacy in Sacramento is something to give fans something to smile about during these trying times.
