The Phoenix Suns will have to plan their offseason moves without the benefit of an infusion of European youth and talent, as their third of three first-round picks from the 2014 NBA Draft will not be joining the team for the 2015-16 season.
While it was largely expected when he was drafted that Bogdan Bogdanovic would spend two more seasons in Europe, his status for next season is now official, according to a report from European basketball reporter David Pick.
Selected with the No. 27 pick, the Suns seemed open to the idea of Bogdanovic getting further overseas development, considering the number of young players already on their team. Bogdanovic promptly signed a four-year deal with Fenerbahce Ulker of the Turkish league, a contract that has an NBA opt-out clause in the summer of 2016.
So far, the plan seems to be going to form. Bogdanovic not only impressed at the FIBA World Cup this summer, but his league performance earned him a second consecutive Euroleague Rising Stars award. While his numbers weren't as strong as in the weaker Serbian League he played in for the 2013-14 season, he contributed in a major role to one of Europe's top squads and averaged 10.8 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.6 steals in 25.7 minutes, shooting 38 percent from long-range.
The 22-year-old should be on the NBA radar next summer, when his ball-handling and outside shooting make him an intriguing candidate to fill the Suns' two-guard role.
