By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
As the 2025-26 NBA Regular Season winds down, Serbian national team captain Bogdan Bogdanovic remains focused on the Los Angeles Clippers, despite persistent rumors regarding a potential return to Europe. Speaking with RTS correspondent Aleksandar Zigic after a win against the Milwaukee Bucks in Fiserv Forum on Sunday, the veteran guard addressed both his current professional standing and his international career.
“I see the rumors in the media too. It’s nice to see those pictures, but should I make a decision now? I have seven games left and a playoff run ahead, so my head is here. I’m not thinking about what will happen next year or next month,” he visited speculation about a summer move to Partizan Mozzart Bet.
Bogdanovic has navigated a challenging ninth NBA season, limited to 21 appearances while averaging 7.3 points per game. Nevertheless, his priority remains the immediate 2026 NBA Playoffs, presented by Google. “I don’t know anything more than you,” he stated, “I’m ready, I’m working, and I’m training. The season is what it is. I’m trying to be in the best possible shape when the playoffs start,” he added.
The 33-year-old also reflected on Serbia’s disappointing campaign at EuroBasket 2025, which was marred by his own significant injury. While expressing regret over the missed opportunity, he maintained a pragmatic outlook. “I’m sorry for the missed opportunity, but there’s no time to look back. I can’t guarantee that we would have won the gold if I had stayed until the end,” he noted, emphasizing that internal team matters should remain in the locker room.
Looking ahead to the next international cycle under coach Dusan Alimpijevic, the Belgrade native struck a cautious but familiar tone regarding his availability. While he joked about his age, his commitment to the national team remains a cornerstone of his career. “We talk, of course. Before, I always said that I was there, but we’ll see. I’ve always responded to the call, though I’m joking a little bit now because of my age,” he remarked with a smile.
Before joining the Clippers, Bogdanovic built a decorated resume across both sides of the Atlantic. Originally the 27th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, he spent his early NBA years with the Sacramento Kings and the Atlanta Hawks. Prior to his move to the United States, he established himself as a European icon, leading Partizan and later Fenerbahce to numerous titles, including a Turkish Airlines EuroLeague championship in 2017.