On a 16 million dollar contract, the LA Clippers’ lead sixth man, Bogdan Bogdanovic, is having the worst season of his career. Never has he missed shots he is used to making, been a defensive liability, and struggled to stay healthy, which has made this season unusual, sending a message to Lawrence Frank that he must be traded immediately.
Although Bogdanovic's first regular season game was in 2017-18 after overseas professional experience, he was way better then than now. His field goal percentages have been consistent for the most part, and so have his points, but this season, at 39.1% and 9.1 points, home for him is not Los Angeles.
Thus, while shopping for Chris Paul, the recently dismissed veteran point guard, Frank should save himself some trouble by finding a team that will also take Bogdanovic.
Bogdan Bogdanovic must not be on the LA Clippers' roster after the trade deadline
Availability this season has not favored Bogdan Bogdanovic in the slightest. He missed weeks of basketball in November and had an injury early in the season as well. There is no way he can be considered Tyronn Lue’s top sixth man. The LA Clippers just do not have one.
The Serbian star's most recent game was against the Memphis Grizzlies, where he posted seven points, three rebounds, and three assists, shooting 33.3% from the field on six attempts. Against the Houston Rockets and Minnesota Timberwolves, he was better, yet on a small sample size of attempts.
He has a clean, satisfying release, which is why the coaches and fans of the Clippers love it when he shoots three-pointers, yet shots are going half-way in and rolling out; he was not like this for Lue last season.
He would never depend on open looks created by James Harden or Kawhi Leonard. Bogdanovic had the tendency to put the ball down when covered, then soar to the mid-range or shoot from beyond the three-point line with a side-step or step-back. There was smoothness to his game that is now rigid.
Therefore, with Lawrence Frank receiving the signal that he needs to trade Bogdanovic, a start would be to see what his market is like.
If one is present, it should be explored. If it is lifeless across the league, Frank should just package him with John Collins, who certainly has a market, and move on, knowing he just followed the signs he was given.