Bogdan Bogdanovic, the No. 27 overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, took an unconventional path to the league. After being drafted, he stayed in Europe for three more seasons before officially joining the NBA in 2017.
Now a veteran of the league, Bogdanovic recently reflected on his career trajectory and plans while attending the EuroLeague Final Four, suggesting that a return to European basketball could be in the cards before he retires.
“I had that goal when I was leaving (for the NBA),” Bogdanovic told Edvinas Jablonskis of BasketNews, referring to a potential return to Europe. “But I’ll see how my health is later in my career. I want to come back, of course, but I have to stay healthy.”
He added that the pull of being closer to loved ones is a strong factor: “I miss it because I’m closer to my friends and family (in Europe). That’s what I miss most. Competition as well, but friends and family first, honestly.”
Bogdanovic ended the 2024–25 NBA season with the Los Angeles Clippers after being dealt midseason from the Atlanta Hawks. While he’s still focused on his NBA journey, international basketball remains an important part of his identity.
Looking ahead, he expressed excitement about representing Serbia in the upcoming EuroBasket 2025 tournament. Not only is he planning to participate, but he’s hopeful that fellow Serbian star Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets will join him.
“I feel like we have a good opportunity (to win the gold),” Bogdanovic told Antonis Stroggylakis of Eurohoops. “We can’t hide. That’s it. We’re going for gold. All those years we’re building something. It’s progress. A process. Hopefully, we’ll stay healthy and we show up healthy and ready to go.”
Bogdanovic has played 8 seasons for the Hawks, Kings, and Clippers. He has averaged 14.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in 503 regular-season games.
International Notes: Bogdanovic, EuroLeague, Asia, Sarr https://t.co/Kp8MJI1azS pic.twitter.com/gJEtJ8pgMj
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) May 23, 2025
