Sun May 04 00:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Clippers’ Bogdanovic Recalls Near Miss Teaming Up with Jokic
**Denver, CO –** Los Angeles Clippers guard Bogdan Bogdanovic revealed a fascinating “what if” scenario during his team’s playoff series against the Denver Nuggets. In an interview with the Denver Post, Bogdanovic disclosed that he and Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic almost played together at Partizan Belgrade back in 2013.
“He was supposed to come to Partizan to play with us,” Bogdanovic said, adding that Jokic ultimately stayed with Mega Basket due to a more prominent role. The two did face off in several pre-season and regular-season games, with Bogdanovic offering a humorous recollection of their early encounters. “I didn’t like him,” he joked, “Because he was goofy, and he wasn’t hitting shots. He was just passing.” Bogdanovic noted Jokic’s talent even then, describing his play as “toying” with the game.
Jokic, of course, went on to become an NBA champion and a league MVP, drafted 41st overall in 2014. Bogdanovic, meanwhile, forged a successful career in Europe before joining the NBA, winning a EuroLeague title with Fenerbahce before stints with the Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks, and now the Clippers. The near-miss pairing offers a captivating glimpse into the paths of two NBA stars, highlighting the unpredictable nature of basketball careers and the chance encounters that shape them.