To the surprise of many, the Brooklyn Nets currently own a Play-In spot in the Eastern Conference at 5-7. It is a small sample size, but it is impressive regardless. Many thought the Nets were among the worst teams in the East, if not the entire league. The season is still young, and things can change. However, for now, the Nets are outperforming their early-season expectations. Furthermore, they are not even at full strength, though they could be soon. Bojan Bogdanovic, who the Nets acquired from the New York Knicks as part of the Mikal Bridges trade, has yet to play a game this season due to a foot injury. According to recent reports, though, he could make his return as soon as next month.
Via Brian Lewis of the New York Post, Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez shed some light on Bogdanovic’s status. While he would not give an exact date for Bogdanovic’s potential return, Fernandez revealed that he is “progressing well.”
“The Nets haven’t offered any update on Bogdanovic’s progress. A source said one isn’t expected until next month.”
“I saw him on the court shooting [Wednesday]. But playing 5-on-5 and in a real game, he’s progressing well. We’re not gonna give an exact date, but he’s doing good,” Fernandez said. “He’s in good spirits, he had a good week. He was with us on the road. Having him around is important because he’s a veteran. He’ll talk in huddles, he gives guys tips on what to do and his involvement is very important.”
Bojan Bogdanovic Could Return From Injury in December
Bojan Bogdanovic Remains a Trade Candidate for the Brooklyn Nets
Amidst his potential near return, it is easy to forget that Bogdanovic is a legitimate trade candidate for Brooklyn. He is 35 years old and in the final year of his contract. Bogdanovic does not fit Brooklyn’s timeline, and it is unlikely he will remain with the team in free agency. Recently, NBA insider Marc Stein said that Bogdanovic, along with Dorian Finney-Smith and Dennis Schroder, is expected to get traded by the Trade Deadline.
“Dennis Schröder, Dorian Finney-Smith, Bojan Bogdanović are all quality vets possessing sub-$20 million salaries and frequently mentioned by rival teams as players they expect to be moved between now and the Feb. 6 trade deadline,” Stein reported.
However, it seems that Fernandez and the squad enjoy having him around. Additionally, it is unclear if the Nets’ solid start to the season changes their plans.
The Last Word
If the Nets are aiming to compete this season, getting Bogdanovic back is huge. The veteran forward can still add value on the court, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Last season, between the Knicks and Detroit Pistons, Bogdanovic averaged 15.2 points per game. Additionally, he shot 45.4% from the field and 39.8% from beyond the arc. At the very least, Bogdanovic’s return could improve his trade value if the Nets decide to pursue this route. However, on the flip side, Bogdanovic can actually help the team win right away. Only time will tell what the end result of his second Nets tenure is. Regardless, getting him back soon is a big boost for Brooklyn.
