Serbia Captain Bogdan Bogdanovic Opens Up: 'I Did Everything I Could, My Conscience Is Clear'

"I did everything within my power, so my mind is clear and my conscience is at ease. Our team last season was dealing with other issues, and that directly impacted our results. Looking at the lesson I took away—I made a mistake by rushing back from injury, and I ended up getting hurt again. I learned not to rush; that was my only mistake," Bogdanovic told Basketball Sphere.

"The deal with Houston worked both ways—they needed perimeter shooting, and I was looking for a team where I could best fit in. Houston has a great blend of youth and experience and is one of the most talented rosters in the NBA. Coach Ime Udoka is extremely demanding, reminiscent of coaches back home; he's a true leader and I really like his system. As for Durant—he literally lives and breathes basketball, and people have no idea how hard he works."

"I loved the way they played, and huge credit goes to the guys who dedicated their time to the national team. The rest did me good, but I always miss being around my teammates. I really like how the squad looks and how Dusan Alimpijevic is running the program. He brought in fresh energy and introduced new players. I was particularly impressed by the win in Italy—that's a massive and tough away victory, hats off to them!"

"I sent Kalina and Branko into retirement with a smile. It feels surreal to watch guys you started building your dreams with step away from the game. I'm glad they are happy and fulfilled. Honestly, I expected Kalina to play another year or two, but I respect his decision. You should keep playing as long as you love the sport, and once you feel it's time, stepping away is the right call," Bogdanovic noted.

"Zeljko Obradovic always sets his sights on the highest goals and championship titles with Panathinaikos—you shouldn't expect anything less from him. I also really like Partizan's roster rebuild. Carlik Jones is back from injury looking sharp, and Luca Vildoza is a fantastic addition who pairs excellently with Pajola. Joffrey Lauvergne commands the locker room just like the old days, and the team looks really strong."

"Fenerbahce under Jasikevicius is consistently competitive, Olympiacos is targeting another title, and Dubai is a very dangerous team. I also expect a big season from Marko Guduric in Milano. As for returning to Europe down the road—the possibility is always there and rumors will always swirl. I'm in the NBA because I want to compete against the best players in the world, but I'll always have special feelings for Partizan and Fenerbahce that I will never forget," Bogdanovic concluded.