Bogdan Bogdanovic gets honest about John Collins’ return after Hawks beat Jazz

Following the Atlanta Hawks’ win over the Utah Jazz, swingman Bogdan Bogdanovic spoke honestly about former colleague John Collins and other topics.
The Atlanta Hawks (26-32) defeated the Utah Jazz, 124-97.

Their defensive efforts were noteworthy, regardless of the opponent’s caliber. But it also marked the return of former Hawk John Collins to State Farm Arena after being moved last summer.

The Hawks traded Collins to the Jazz in exchange for Rudy Gay and a second-round draft selection. He came up in trade rumors prior to the deadline. But his numbers have improved in his final season with the Hawks.

Unfortunately for Collins, he finished with five points on 2-for-8 shooting.

He also went 0-for-3 from outside the arc, but he did manage to grab ten rebounds, two assists, and one block against a depleted Hawks frontcourt.
“It’s good to see our brate, for sure,” Bogdan Bogdanovic said on February 27. “I know he wanted to do better. But he was clearly emotional. I saw him on a screen saying, ‘I love you guys.’

“He’s definitely missed and the fans definitely miss him that you can see uh how how they cheering back.”

Bogdanovic also discussed the long-term influence Collins’ energy has.

“To be honest, I think we became so accustomed to him, like his energy and some of the things he said, that when he left, we discussed it. When we see JC do something in Utah or elsewhere, we blow the whistle. He was doing that in meetings all the time, or if we as a team don’t grasp anything, or he doesn’t understand, I believe he’ll simply say [whistles].”

Hawks’ Bogdan Bogdanovic modified his fitness regimen.
Bogdanovic finished the game against Utah with 19 points, three assists, three rebounds, two blocks, and two steals. He also made his 32nd consecutive and 56th appearance of the season.

This is more than he had in two of his prior three seasons with the Hawks. He has missed only two games this season despite fighting knee issues in previous seasons.

“I am trying, honestly. I understand that it can look bad at times. But I’m not as athletic, so I’m trying to sneak up and use my length,” Bogdanovic explained. “That block did not look horrible. Black did not look horrible.

“I’m not sure where to start. Should I start by shutting out my summer coaches first?This year, I’ve been quite consistent with lifting. I am only trying to learn. And, without a doubt, the NBA is not like Europe.

“During my first few years in the NBA, I spent a lot of time on the court practicing maneuvers and such. Once I gained confidence in my skill set over there, I understood I only needed strength and freshness. So I’m spending more time at the gym, namely in the weight room.”
Bogdan Bogdanovic ‘lied’ to the Hawks rookie
Bogdanovic was asked about youngster Kobe Bufkin’s performance in the battle and gave an honest answer.

“I did not prepare him for the last game. “I told him…” “G League points are the same,” Bogdanovic explained. “But it’s not true, and I lied to him.” I was only trying to boost his confidence because I saw how well he played over there.

“We needed him to be aggressive.”

“Tonight, I have no idea what I told him. I don’t think I said anything exceptional. “I was just letting him be himself and acting like he was one of us.”

In his second game, Bufkin had seven points, five assists, two rebounds, and two steals, up from two points, three assists, one block, one steal, and one rebound in his debut. In addition, his shooting percentage increased from 25% to 42.9%.