By injecting a player like Bogdan Bogdanović into the rotation, the LA Clippers wished to receive consistent scoring. This was a big responsibility, but if one player on the market could execute the role, it was Bogdanović.
Furthermore, rough was the best way to describe how February went for Bogdanović on the Clippers. He was shot chucking, turning the ball over, and did not seem fully set into the defense led by assistant Jeff Van Gundy.
The Atlanta Hawks' reasoning for placing Bogdanović on the trade block was now evident. Primarily, his jump shot was not the same, and head coach Tyronn Lue was forced to rotate between other bench producers.
However, the reality behind Bogdanović is that he just needed a second to settle in after playing with the Hawks for over four seasons. Though he had previously switched homes from Sacramento to Atlanta, the Clippers were a new scenery with different aspirations.
From February to March, Bogdanović made the Clippers better in multiple unique aspects. Lue's second unit finally has a heartbeat, and the trade LA conducted with Atlanta looks like a season-changing move for executive Lawrence Frank.
The LA Clippers finally have a sixth man with a killer instinct with Bogdan Bogdanović
Since Bogdan Bogdanović's first day in uniform, his only task has been to affect the scoreboard in ways he was not accustomed to. This included rebounding, playmaking, and defense, which would compel Tyronn Lue to keep his name in the rotation.
This new attitude allowed Bogdanović to obtain double-digit boards twice in the same month and flash dimes out of his back pocket. This boosted his confidence, which followed into the scoring chart.
Through ten games in March, Bogdanović is averaging 14.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists, shooting 55.2% from the floor, 52.3% from three, and 100% from the line. He also scored 30 points in Miami and went 8-8 in a win against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Moreover, the LA Clippers did not just receive Bogdanović from the Atlanta Hawks but also three second-round picks. This is pivotal for LA, as they have a reliable scorer and assets to include in future trades.
The Clippers also opened up space by combing Terance Mann and Bones Hyland in a package to the Hawks.
That said, Frank made one of the best moves at the deadline by bringing in Bogdanović. He has been great lately and will be a tone-setter for Lue in the playoffs.