Milwaukee Bucks: Checking in on Malcolm Brogdon

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Change of role

When Brogdon was in the starting unit, Antetokounmpo was acting as primary ball-handler. This allowed Brogdon to choose his shots. He could penetrate if the defense had followed Antetokounmpo. If he was given space on the perimeter, he would bury the 3. His efficiency as a result was impressive.

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Now that Brogdon has moved to the second unit, he does not have this luxury. Often the man he replaces on the court in Antetokounmpo and therefore his style of play has had to change. Brogdon is still playing off-ball when he comes on to the court as Bledsoe is running the team. However, this is where the comparison to Antetokounmpo stops.

When Antetokounmpo is off the court, teams change their defense back to a more conventional style. This means there are fewer open shots, as players are not being drawn in to stop the Bucks’ best player.

Bledsoe then sits down as well, meaning Brogdon is running the team. This is his second role change, usually in the space of a few minutes. With Bledsoe and Antetokounmpo sitting on the bench, there is now a lack of offensive production on the court. Brogdon has to pick up the slack and utilize his second unit to keep the numbers moving on the scoreboard.

Fortunately, Brogdon is showing he will take any challenge thrown at him and give it his all. He has only had four games since moving to the bench where he has not scored in double figures. He also has 11 games with three or more assists.

Next: 2018 NBA Mock Draft: End of 2017 edition

As players return from injury, Brogdon’s role will undoubtedly change again. The second-year guard is showing he will do what the Milwaukee Bucks need of him.

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