Out since last April with a foot injury, Bojan Bogdanovic is finally back in the gym
Brian Lewis reports Monday that Bojan Bogdanovic, who the New Jersey Nets drafted in 2011, signed three years later, traded and then was re-acquired by the Brooklyn Nets in the Mikal Bridges trade, is back on the court at HSS Training Center, hopeful of a return this season. Bogdanovic has yet to play this season.
The 35-year-old Bogdanovic averaged 20 points a game for the Pistons his last two years in Detroit and was then traded to the Knicks at last year’s trade deadline. But he was sidelined by both foot and wrist issues and underwent surgery in late April of last year. He has been rehabbing since, reportedly being re-evaluated in July and then again in December but didn’t resume on-court activities until recently, Lewis wrote.
Bojan Bogdanovic has finally resumed on-court activities for the Nets, sources told The Post. Considering how long the sharpshooter has been out, it could be some time before he’s actually cleared to suit and play.
“On-court activities” normally refer to shooting around and some light court work. More extensive work, starting with 1-on-1 then eventually progressing to 5-on-5, comes later. Lewis did not provide a timetable for a Bogdanovic return.
The Nets have 39 games left in the regular season, but if the 35-year-old is entertaining the idea of a buyout and signing with a contender, he will have less time to get cleared, get in shape and negotiate a deal with the Nets. In order for him to play in any post-season games, he’d have to be waived by March 1. the Playoff Eligibility Waiver Deadline. That’s less than six weeks away.
Bogdanovic is on an expiring $19.0 contract and buyouts usually reduce that amount by 25 to 33% which would be no doubt be welcomed by the Nets who remain perilously close to the luxury tax deadline, only about a half million dollars short. Over his 10-year career, the 6’7” wing has averaged 15.6 points on 46/39/86 shooting splits, playing for six teams.
A buyout would also free up a standard roster spot. Tyrese Martin, who’s become a big part of the Nets rotation, is on a two-way deal which prohibits the Nets from playing him more than 50 NBA games this season. He’s already played in 27 for Brooklyn. Of course, the Nets could also open up a roster spot in a trade between now and February 6 deadline.
- Bojan Bogdanovic returns to on-court activities in step toward delayed Nets debut – Brian Lewis – New York Post