Bogdan Bogdanovic believes his skill set fits naturally with the Houston Rockets, while his longstanding relationship with Clint Capela also played a role in his decision to join the team.
Speaking at Rockets media day Tuesday, Bogdanovic reflected on his connection with Capela, whom he first met in Serbia before the two eventually became teammates with the Atlanta Hawks.
“Me and Clint relationship goes way back even in Serbia where I met him before we became teammates,” Bogdanovic said. “He was at one of my camps and he was visiting Serbia. Obviously great guy as you know and great teammate.”
Bogdanovic and Capela were part of Atlanta’s 2020-21 team that reached the Eastern Conference finals. Their relationship has continued since then, and Bogdanovic acknowledged that Capela played a role in bringing him to Houston.
“He definitely played a role in me coming over here as well,” Bogdanovic said. “I almost know him now for eight years. It’s been nine years, almost 10 years. It’s been quite a relationship.”
The veteran guard believes his shooting and playmaking can complement Houston’s personnel, particularly a group that generated much of its offense around the paint last season.
“I think I can fit perfectly,” Bogdanovic said. “I bring a lot of shooting, playmaking, and with the experience that I have, I think I can add my value in it. Basketball value, especially experience.”
Bogdanovic specifically pointed to Houston’s pick-and-roll attack as an opportunity for his shooting to create additional space.
“They know how to play that game and I think my game fits that game perfectly,” he said. “And that’s one of the main reasons I joined this team, honestly. They miss that ability and I can definitely help them.”
Shooting is a major part of Bogdanovic’s identity, and he said he has no concerns about continuing to embrace that role.
“Shooting for me comes easy,” Bogdanovic said. “I’ve been shooting forever. I love to shoot.”
The 34-year-old also expressed excitement about playing alongside Alperen Sengun after spending years competing against him internationally and following his development in the NBA.
“His progress is amazing, year by year,” Bogdanovic said. “Typical European big. He knows everything. He knows how to shoot, he knows how to pass, he can drive, pretty mobile.”
Bogdanovic believes playing alongside another European player can add another dimension to Houston’s group.
“I’m very excited to play with him after so many years playing against him,” he said. “I think it could always work great having two Europeans and a little bit different mentality, and that brings another card in a game.”
Bogdanovic also singled out Fred VanVleet as a player he is particularly eager to work with.
“I think he’s one of the old-school point guards, great point guards,” Bogdanovic said. “Thinking about everybody and thinking how the game goes time and time and place, and just everything, not just scoring or assisting or one play.”
He also praised Houston shooting coach Chip Engelland, highlighting his ability to adapt as the game evolves.
“He’s very experienced,” Bogdanovic said. “He worked with a lot of many shooters over the years, and shooting has changed as well.”
For Bogdanovic, the goal in Houston is straightforward: bring his shooting, playmaking and experience to a team that went 52-30 last season and continue helping the Rockets pursue their championship ambitions.
“I’m just here to do my job, whatever it is,” Bogdanovic said. “Bring whatever I have on the table to help these guys win.”
