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Washington Wizards: Bojan Bogdanovic From Streak to Streaky?

By Jen Julie Smith

Apr 30, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bojan Bogdanovic (44) holds his hand up at his bench after shooting an air ball during the second half of the Boston Celtics 123-111 win over the Washington Wizards in game one of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bojan Bogdanovic (44) holds his hand up at his bench after shooting an air ball during the second half of the Boston Celtics 123-111 win over the Washington Wizards in game one of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Washington Wizards traded a first round draft pick to Brooklyn for a three month rental of Bojan Bogdanovic.  After initial success, recent results have been a mixed bag.

Washington Wizards’ President Ernie Grunfeld acquired Bojan Bogdanovic from the Brooklyn Nets during the NBA’s February trade deadline, to help shore up Washington’s bench.

The Wizards got a diamond in the rough in Bogdanovic when he first signed on.

Bogdanovic would knock down a career-high 8 three-point shots in Washington’s win against the Orlando Magic earlier this year, scoring 27 points in 27 minutes.

Against the Phoenix Suns, he went 3-6 from behind the arc scoring 29 points, leading all Wizards’ scorers.

Bogdanovic was on a streak in his stellar start with the Wizards.

Washington believed they finally found veteran leadership for their second-unit, in the sharp shooting savior now known as Bo Buckets.

Observers believed that Bogdanovic, who would be a restricted free agent during the off-season, would be able to command more from the Wizards, since Washington got him at a bargain.

Bogdanovic was fearless behind the arc. He would catch-and-release the three-ball, the second it was swung to him without hesitation.

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With Bo Buckets the Wizards backcourt could finally get a bit of a breather, and not worry about the second unit wasting away their lead to start the second the half.

During the playoffs, the beauty of Bo Buckets has faded. No more was the fearlessness or sitting at the three-point line waiting for the rock to rattle it home.

Bogdanovic, for whatever reason, just got bogged down. During the first round of the playoffs, he was abysmal from behind the arc.

The best thing to do when a shooter is in a slump is to keep on shooting, until they find their rhythm once  again.

Bogdanovic has done quite the opposite. He barely even attempted threes to start the first round series against the Hawks.

In the first game of the Atlanta series, Bogdanovic failed at his sole attempt from downtown, going 0-1. He only scored 4 points, nonetheless the Wizards were able to secure the win and hold home court advantage.

In the second game of the series, he at least attempted more shots, but went 1-5 from deep, and only had 6 points.

Bogdanovic appeared to find his footing as the series wore on, and his three-ball began to fall in Game-3. He went 2-3 from downtown, and was in double digits with 14 points. And he was 2-4 in Game-4 with 13 points.

He went 2-3 in Game 5, and 2-5 in Game 6 for 10 points.

Yet, nowhere in the first round did he match his stellar play from the regular season. His scoring dropped precipitously from his grandiose start with Wizards.

During the regular season, Bogdanovic averaged 13.7 points, in the playoffs he’s averaging 9.7 points.

In the second round against the Celtics, he went 2-3 behind the arc, but only had 10 points. He was fouled on one of his threes, and was able to complete a four-point play at the line.

If you’re not going to attempt more threes, then at least go for long two’s or attack the rim. Because if you can’t make your shot on the outside, shoot from the inside.

Bogdanovic must keep shooting, until his shots begin to fall again. He should be attempting at least 5 three-point shots per game.

Bogdanovic is known to create his own shot off the dribble, and doesn’t have to wait for John Wall or his other teammates to find him for a clean look.

I just don’t understand the hesitation that has creeped up during the playoffs.

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Bogdanovic who was once an offensive asset is now a liability, because teams no longer view him as a threat from deep, according to their scouting reports. Therefore, whoever is his defender, can leave him and help double-team Wall or Bradley Beal.

Instead of Bogdanovic being a spacer, he is now allowing the defense the spacing to apply added pressure.

In Sunday’s loss against Boston, the Celtics crushed the Wizards at the three-point line, attempting 39 attempts  from downtown, tying their franchise high of 19 three-point shots.

Now is not the time for Bogdanovic to shy away from downtown.

If Washington continues to choose not to defend the perimeter, they need to match three-points for three-points, if they want to steal at least one away game from the Celtics.

This true bargain-find must find his way again, if he wants to help the Wizards match the Celtics’ new-found fire power.

Next: Wiz Squander Lead, Drop Opportunity In Boston

Too early to say that Bogdanovic is streaky, but it’s too late to find out.

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