Pistons' Bojan Bogdanović out at Least 4 Weeks with Calf Injury Diagnosed as Strain

The Detroit Pistons will be without Bojan Bogdanović for at least the first month of the season.

Per an official announcement from the team, Bogdanović was diagnosed with a strained right calf and will be reevaluated in four weeks.

Head coach Monty Williams previously announced Bogdanović would miss their season opener on Wednesday against the Miami Heat.

Bogdanović didn't play in any of Detroit's four preseason games. Williams said the team was being "really cautious" with the 34-year-old due to his recent history of lower-leg injuries.

"He's been on the floor doing a little bit, but not enough where he can get in a game. We just want to be as careful as we can," Williams said prior to the Oct. 8 preseason opener against the Phoenix Suns. "The calf is a tricky thing and I think he's had a history of calf injuries so our guys are doing the best we can to, not bring him along slowly, but bring him along so he can be effective when he gets back out there."

Bogdanović dealt with right calf soreness at times last season. He missed the Pistons' final 19 games due to bilateral Achilles tendinopathy.

When Bogdanović was able to play, he was terrific for the Pistons in 2022-23. He averaged 21.6 points per game on 41.1 percent three-point shooting in 59 starts.

Detroit gave Bogdanović a two-year, $39.1 million extension in October 2022 that ties him to the club through the 2024-25 season.

Injuries were a big problem for the Pistons last season. Cade Cunningham only played 12 games due to a shin injury that required season-ending surgery.

Losing Bogdanović for an extended period of time to start this season is a huge blow for a Pistons team that is trying to take steps forward after four consecutive seasons with 23 or fewer wins.

Depending on what happens when Bogdanović gets reevaluated, he could make his season debut on Nov. 24 when the Pistons play the Indiana Pacers in an in-season tournament game.