Bogdan Bogdanovic on Li Kaier’s scoreless FIBA debut: ‘He will need time to adjust’

Bogdan Bogdanovic said Li Kaier, also known as NBA player Kyle Anderson, may need more time before getting accustomed to the style of play in FIBA tournaments such as the ongoing 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

The Serbian guard on Saturday showed Li just how it’s done.

Bogdanovic, who plays for the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA, was the leading scorer in Serbia’s 105-63 thrashing of Li’s China in Group B action of the global cagefest.

Aside from his offensive output, the 31-year-old Bogdanovic also played relentless defense on Li, who finished the game scoreless in 26 minutes of play.

“Tough game for him but for sure, he's trying to adjust [as] this is just his first tournament,” Bogdanovic said.

“I know how it is when you're playing different games. He will need time to adjust.”

Many eyes were on Li before the World Cup as the American-born baller was expected to bring a lot of experience to the world no. 27 Chinese squad. After all, he had stints for a number of NBA clubs like the San Antonio Spurs, the Memphis Grizzlies, and his current team, the Minnesota Timberwolves.

He, however, went cold in his FIBA debut as he went 0-of-9 from the field, event though he posted four rebounds, four assists, and one steal.

But Bogdanovic is just glad that Serbia's game plan worked out the way they wanted it to.

“I think we played well, especially the second half. First games are always hard and I'm just happy that we won today,” he added.

“We moved the ball really well. Yes, in the World Cup, the best teams are the ones who move the ball well to get easy baskets.”

—JMB, GMA Integrated News