The Los Angeles Clippers’ offseason received an unexpected jolt as Bogdan Bogdanovic, their standout offseason acquisition, suffered a hamstring injury while representing Serbia in the 2025 EuroBasket. Bogdanovic, who was acquired from the Atlanta Hawks in a trade that sent Terrence Mann and Bones Hyland to Atlanta, had been poised to play a critical role for the Clippers in 2025-26. Through 30 appearances after the trade, he averaged 11.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game while shooting an impressive 42.7% from beyond the arc.
The injury occurred during Serbia’s game against Portugal, forcing the 33-year-old guard to miss the second half. After an examination by the Clippers’ medical team, it was confirmed that Bogdanovic sustained a hamstring muscle tear, ruling him out for the remainder of the tournament. “Bogdanovic has been diagnosed with a hamstring muscle tear, which will keep him out of the rest of the championship,” the Serbian Basketball Federation stated. “In agreement with Bogdan and his club, the Los Angeles Clippers, the captain will spend the next period going through intensive therapies in the United States to recover as fast as possible.”
Serbia loses Los Angeles Clippers’ Bogdan Bogdanovic to Brutal EuroBasket Injury
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This development raises concerns for the Clippers as training camp approaches. Depending on the severity of the tear, recovery could range from a week to several months. While the team has added high-level talent in the offseason—including Bradley Beal, John Collins, Brook Lopez, and Chris Paul—Bogdanovic’s offensive versatility is expected to be a key element in the rotation, particularly off the bench.
Bogdanovic’s injury also impacts Serbia, who were considered EuroBasket favorites alongside NBA superstar Nikola Jokic. NBA Insider Marc Stein noted, “It is feared that the Clippers’ Bogdan Bogdanović will miss the rest of EuroBasket after sustaining a hamstring injury. Tournament favorites Serbia obviously still have Nikola Jokić but have lost their captain.” With Bogdanovic sidelined, Jokic and Serbia’s supporting cast will need to shoulder a heavier offensive burden.
The Clippers have seen injuries affect key players during offseason international competitions before, and this situation underscores the inherent risks of offseason play. While Bogdanovic has a history of relative durability, hamstring injuries are notoriously unpredictable, especially for players in their 30s. As a result, LA is likely to bring him along cautiously, prioritizing a stress-free start to the 2025-26 campaign.
Bogdanovic was performing well for Serbia before the injury, recording seven points and five rebounds while captaining the squad. The Clippers’ medical and coaching staff will now focus on rehabilitation, with the hope that he can rejoin full team activities in time for training camp. For now, Los Angeles must balance optimism with caution, relying on their strengthened roster to navigate the early stages of the season.
The Clippers’ championship hopes remain intact, but Bogdanovic’s hamstring tear serves as an early reminder of the fine line between offseason preparation and the risk of injury. His recovery timeline will be closely watched by both fans and analysts, as a healthy Bogdanovic could provide a crucial edge for a team with legitimate title aspirations.