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Burning Q's: What to expect from Bojan?

With training camp less than two months away, we’re examining some burning questions with the Brooklyn Nets.

Today’s question: What can be expected from Bojan Bogdanovic?

In the history of the NBA’s Rookie of the Year award (1952-53), only two players who were born outside the United States have ever captured the honor: Pau Gasol (Spain, 2001-02) and Kyrie Irving (2011-12, Australia). (Disclaimer: Irving moved to the U.S. when he was 2).

That doesn’t mean Bojan Bogdanovic can’t become the third. It just means the odds are heavily against him.

Reason being, many foreign players struggle to get acclimated to the NBA game

(I examined this in more detail on the blog here).

Bogdanovic, 25, played his last three seasons for Fenerbahce Ulker of the Turkish League after the Nets acquired his rights on draft night in 2011.

The Nets finally brought Bogdanovic over this summer, giving him a three-year, $10 million contract.

I’ve asked several people in the know what type of player the Nets are getting. The consensus: Bogdanovic projects as a rotation piece. He’s going to have a tough time on defense, but offensively is where he can really thrive. He’s a proficient perimeter shooter who possesses the ability to drive.

For his career in the Euroleague, Bogdanovic averaged nearly 14 points and shot nearly 36 percent from 3-point territory.

The potential is definitely there. Now it’s just a matter of Bogdanovic really engrossing himself in trying to get better and continually looking to improve his game.

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again: Nets fans should definitely temper their expectations for Bogdanovic.

He’s going to have to prove himself to new coach Lionel Hollins. But, with the departure of Paul Pierce, it seems like Bogdanovic is going to get an opportunity to contribute.

It’s up to the 6-foot-7 sharpshooter to seize it.