Bogdan Bogdanovic has opened a new chapter in his career with a trade to the Los Angeles Clippers, and on this occasion, he spoke exclusively to Basketball Sphere.
After spending nearly five seasons with the Atlanta Hawks, the captain of the Serbian national team landed in the “City of Angels” through a trade.
There was much speculation about where he would continue his career, and in the final hours of the trade deadline, well-informed ESPN journalist Shams Charania revealed via social media that the Serbian guard would be heading to Los Angeles. In the opposite direction, Bones Hyland and Terance Mann were sent, officially marking the beginning of the “New Chapter”.
In every team he has played for, he has left a lasting mark, starting with Partizan, then Fenerbahce, the Sacramento Kings, and finally, the Atlanta Hawks, with whom he reached the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021 against the Milwaukee Bucks. That turned out to be the franchise’s best run during Bogdanovic’s time there, signaling that it was time for a new challenge.
One thing common to all the clubs in his career is the special connection he builds with his teammates and fans. The best possible proof of this was seen in the recent matchup between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Atlanta Hawks. His first visit to the state of Georgia was filled with emotions, as a tribute video dedicated to the Serbian guard played on the big screen, followed by standing ovations from the fans.
When your former club's fans welcome you like this, it means you left a deep mark there 🥹🫶🏻#NBA #TrueToAtlanta pic.twitter.com/4U4BAyNzAG
— Basketball Sphere (@BSphere_) March 15, 2025
New beginning
Our last conversation with Bogdan Bogdanovic took place nearly a year ago when he stated: “The Olympic Games are the pinnacle of the sports pyramid in basketball.”
Since then, not only has he won a bronze medal as the captain of the Serbian national team at the most prestigious competition in the world, but he has also changed teams in the NBA. For this new beginning, he chose the number “10,” a number he had never worn before in his career.
good to see familiar faces 😄 pic.twitter.com/hBOCRyNjER
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) March 15, 2025
As he himself said: “I couldn’t have picked a better number than ten. I wanted a fresh start. Bogi 13 in Atlanta stayed Bogi 13 in Atlanta… This is the new Bogi. I’m looking forward to new and better days.”
Beyond the conference finals, he will always be remembered in Atlanta Hawks history as the player with the second-longest streak of consecutive games with at least one made three-pointer. Kyle Korver remains untouchable with 127 such games, while the Serbian guard ended his streak at 110 in a matchup against the New York Knicks.
Shock despite readiness for change
Bogdan Bogdanovic’s mentality is defined by his love for new challenges, and his move to the Los Angeles Clippers is certainly one that raises the bar to a higher level. Although he was prepared for the trade, it’s natural that after spending a long time in one place, a certain level of shock remains. He spoke about this at the beginning of his conversation with Basketball Sphere:
“It was definitely a shock, even though I knew I was leaving. I was preparing for the move—over the last seven days, I wasn’t even with the Atlanta Hawks. I knew what was happening, I was informed, and yet it was still a shock.
Simply put, those last two hours before the trade were filled with so much tension—you don’t know where you’ll end up. I could have landed with three or four other teams, but in the end, I’m with the Los Angeles Clippers, and I’m happy about it.”
Always a team favorite
They say that actions speak louder than words, but wherever Bogdan Bogdanovic has played, praise from teammates, coaches, and fans has been a constant. His chapter with the Los Angeles Clippers has begun in the same way after just a few games:
“Bogdan Bogdanovic is starting to understand what we want, he feels more comfortable. Kawhi Leonard and James Harden trust him to organize the game. He played a big role tonight. He’ll have to adjust a bit more once Norman Powell returns. I didn’t think he could be this good in pick-and-roll situations, but he really is,” said Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue.
Nicolas Batum also commented on Bogdanovic’s performances in a lighthearted manner:
“I lost a lot of games in FIBA competitions because of him. I hate him (laughs). I’m glad he’s on my side now. I know he can make big shots when the game is on the line. I’ve played against him so many times in France-Serbia matchups. Now others are seeing that he can be trusted in clutch moments.”
Kawhi Leonard also had words of praise for the Serbian guard:
“He just needs to stay aggressive. He’s a great competitor.”
Brate! pic.twitter.com/7v35Xpeoso
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) March 14, 2025
“My competitive spirit still drives me…”
“I don’t know if this is the biggest challenge of my career, but it is new and different from the previous ones. I love new challenges, and I know how to turn them into extra motivation. My competitive spirit still drives me, and that’s what keeps me at this level.
I simply try my best and am fully aware that nothing here is guaranteed. A career goes by quickly, so I’m looking to make the most of it—starting with myself and what I can control. What my role will be, how it will evolve, and what others know or don’t know—that’s out of my hands,” explained the Serbian guard.
Bad Boys 25’ #Uno pic.twitter.com/6mQ5GRR2ao
— James Harden (@JHarden13) March 13, 2025
“James Harden changed basketball…”
One of Bogdan Bogdanovic’s new teammates is James Harden—“the NBA’s premier beard.” If the previous lines were filled with compliments from coaches and teammates about Bogdan Bogdanovic, this time, he was the one giving credit to one of the best scorers of the 21st century:
“James Harden is undoubtedly one of the best one-on-one players in the last X years, if not the best. The strength he possesses, his ability to play through contact, the fakes he uses, his first step—no one else has that. No one was harder to guard than James Harden from five or six years ago. Defenders would force him to go for layups, denying him step-back shots, literally not letting him shoot.
He changed basketball so much. He just needs shooters around him to make it easier for him to play one-on-one, and then he can create for others once the defense collapses. No one leaves him open—after two baskets, defenders realize they can’t guard him one-on-one and start doubling him. That creates space for the rest of the team, especially for us shooters,” Bogdan Bogdanovic explained.
Friday mood cause it’s GAME DAY 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/G6VUo0mu5X
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) March 14, 2025
“Los Angeles – everything a basketball player could wish for…”
The NBA is miles ahead of any other basketball organization in the world, but there are always subtle differences between franchises. The Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers are fan-favorite rivals because of what the “City of Angels” has to offer, but for players who actually suit up for these teams, the working conditions are second to none.
That’s why Bogdan Bogdanovic was slightly caught off guard when asked what impressed him the most upon arriving at the Clippers:
“The biggest impression… (laughs). I don’t even know what to single out—there’s just so much, starting with the facilities in the arena. I remember when we played here as visitors with the Atlanta Hawks—the visiting team’s locker room has its own cold tubs, a jacuzzi, and a top-tier gym. Nowhere else has that; no other team provides such conditions for visiting squads.
So you can only imagine what it’s like for us—the Los Angeles Clippers. Everything a basketball player could wish for is in one place, from the people working here to the facilities. It’s amazing to come in every day, to enjoy the atmosphere, and to take full advantage of everything the arena and organization have to offer.”
“Forget the past and focus on the future!”
With a packed schedule, constant travel, and the challenges of the NBA, finding the right balance between training and rest is essential. Bogdan Bogdanovic has long been known for his exceptional work ethic, which has allowed him to continuously push his limits and set new challenges for himself.
Adapting the body to the demands of high-level competition while also considering age is crucial, as proper adjustment can significantly extend a player’s career. This is one of the reasons why the NBA is ahead of the curve, with teams dedicating immense resources to player care. He is well aware of this:
“You have to train, stay in rhythm, and focus on every next shot and the future. There’s no big secret—just forget the past and concentrate on what’s ahead, even when it comes to shooting.
30-ball for Bogi Buckets 🪣
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) March 13, 2025
🎯 @Kia Performance of the Game pic.twitter.com/zYRlWJVpxj
As for my daily routine, I’ve been paying more attention to how my body feels based on the minutes I’ve played. The NBA has advanced to an incredible level—everything is tracked. How you move in a game, your speed, how many times you jump, stop, your maximum acceleration—it’s all monitored at a crazy level. That’s why players are playing longer and lasting longer.
Teams take much better care of players now, and I try to improve in that aspect—physically. The longer my body holds up, the longer I’ll be able to compete at this level. There’s nothing new to learn about basketball—I know what I can and can’t do. The only thing I can refine are the small details, which mostly come down to how my body feels in the moment.”
“No room or time for team practices during the season…”
Given the rigorous schedule of the NBA, there is little time for team practices during the season. This is a topic often discussed by EuroLeague coaches, who wish for more time in the gym with their players. However, it’s no surprise that similar sentiments are shared across the Atlantic as well:
“We haven’t practiced much since I arrived—we’ve had just two or three full-team practices where we played five-on-five, especially in this second half of the season after the All-Star break. James Harden is playing 40+ minutes, Ivica Zubac as well. We just go through plays and make light contact for the sake of getting a feel. There’s no room or time for team practices during the season.
Everyone does their own individual workouts based on how they feel. If someone played only 10 minutes, the coaches set up a session with some rookies, G League players, and two-way contract guys. Some players only need therapy, while others don’t even go to the gym. A few just do shooting drills. It’s a completely different rhythm, and most training-related activities are adjusted based on how each player feels,” explained Bogdan Bogdanovic.
“Nikola Jokic – Jokara”
After winning an Olympic bronze medal together, Nikola Jokic returned to his “regular activities”—competing for another MVP award. He has already claimed the honor three times during the regular season, led the Denver Nuggets to an NBA championship while being named Finals MVP, and is now locked in another battle for individual recognition, this time against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Bogdan Bogdanovic couldn’t ignore the remarkable performances of his friend and national team teammate. Jokić recently delivered a historic performance against the Phoenix Suns, recording 30 points, 21 rebounds, and 22 assists, which once again put him at the forefront of the MVP race:
“Nikola Jokic, Jokara… (laughs). He keeps proving that even when you’re the best, a three-time MVP, and an NBA champion, there’s still room for improvement. You can always refine your game and push yourself to be even better. That’s the ultimate competition—with yourself. He has truly raised the bar, and it’s incredible how consistently he performs at such a high level. I hope and believe he will win MVP again this year.”
Ladies and gentlemen, history has been made! ✍️
— Basketball Sphere (@BSphere_) March 8, 2025
Nikola Jokic – ONE OF ONE 🫡🇷🇸#NBA #MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/T1iYaG4A8T
Playoffs run
The Los Angeles Clippers have hit their stride, winning four of their last five games as the regular season nears its conclusion. Bogdan Bogdanovic delivered his best performance since joining the team in a matchup against the Miami Heat, exploding for 30 points. However, as always, he remains measured and focused when discussing upcoming challenges and potential playoff matchups:
“When it comes to the playoffs, the first goal is to secure the best possible position. After that, you don’t get to pick your opponents; they come based on how your season played out. That’s how I look at it.”
Bogdan Bogdanovic also admitted he hasn’t had a chance to watch Netflix’s “Court of Gold”, a documentary on the Olympics, and when it comes to discussing future commitments with the Serbian national team, he chose to postpone that conversation for the right moment:
“Better to save that for the summer…” – the Clippers’ guard concluded his interview with Basketball Sphere.
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