Bogdan Bogdanovic took time out to speak to Fadeaway World exclusively after Serbia's first practice in Abu Dhabi before two friendlies against Australia and the USA as part of Olympic preparation. Bogdanovic is excited to face Team USA and is looking forward to the challenge of facing one of the greatest teams ever assembled.
"It's going to be great for us. We're looking forward to playing against them. For sure, one of the best teams ever that plays together. I think it's going to be great training for us. We cannot lose against them. Just playing against them is already a win."
Bogdanovic is focused on Serbia right now, but he'll be heading back to the Atlanta Hawks in September. Dejounte Murray will not be in the locker room anymore after being traded to the Pelicans, something Bogdanovic is upset about but understands that some things can't be controlled.
"I'm glad we built a great relationship. He's a great guy, a hardworking guy, I learned a lot from him. He has such a passion for basketball. He's 100% into basketball and his career, so some things you can't control in life. I wish him all the best on his new team. I'm sad we didn't accomplish what we wanted to, but that's sometimes basketball."
Bogdanovic averaged 16.9 points last season. He's one of the best shooters in the NBA and is entering a massive season for him personally. If Serbia has a strong run at the Olympics with Bogdanovic as Nikola Jokic's co-star, he'll go into the NBA season on a high.
Bogdanovic is entering a contract year as the 31-year-old will be headed to free agency next summer unless he signs an extension with the Hawks. The Murray trade led to the acquisition of Dyson Daniels, most likely the long-term option in Atlanta for a backcourt partner with Trae Young.
This should lead to Bogdanovic spending another season as the team's sixth man, with his incredible shooting efficiency likely interesting teams around the NBA in a trade or when he hits free agency. He shot 37.4% on 8.1 three-point attempts per game last season, showing that there are very few players in the NBA willing to shoot like him.
Nikola Jokic was unavailable to speak to the media after Serbia's practice, but the reigning NBA MVP did practice before getting extensive treatment on the massage table while watching his horse race back home on his phone.
The vibes in their camp looked really good, as the national team hopes to pick up momentum in Abu Dhabi to lead them to a medal finish in Paris.
Related: Stephen Curry On Representing Team USA At The Olympics For The First Time
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