Malcolm Brogdon’s impact on Indiana Pacers
Since joining the Indiana Pacers in free agency this summer, Malcolm Brogdon has made an immediate impact on the team.
Malcolm Brogdon of the Indiana Pacers has made quite the name for himself in the NBA. After Brogdon was selected 36th overall in the 2016 NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks, he impressively was named Rookie of the Year in 2016. over the top draft choices of Ben Simmons (injured all season), Brandon Ingram and Jaylen Brown.
During Brogdon’s first three years of his career, his points per game have increased each season. Scoring 10.7 points per game as a rookie (2016) to 13.0 during his sophomore season (2017), Brogdon increased his production to 15.6 points per game during his third year in the league (last season).
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Rather impressive considering who Brogdon was playing around in Milwaukee.
It’s also noteworthy that Brogdon joined the 50-40-90 club last season. The 50-40-90 club is a short list of eight players who have completed the regular season shooting at or better than 50 percent from the field, 40 percent on 3-pointers and 90 percent on free throws.
Brogdon made the list by finishing last season making 51 percent of his field goals, 43 percent of his 3-pointers and 93 percent of his free throw opportunities.
Before Brogdon stepped on the scene in Milwaukee, the Bucks were an inconsistent playoff team. As a member of the Bucks, Brogdon advanced to the playoffs in each of his first three seasons in the NBA. Just like the regular season, Brogdon has increased his production each season of the playoffs; he averaged 13 points in the playoffs last season.
The Indiana Pacers also advanced to the playoffs last season, but were swept in the first round by the Boston Celtics. The playoff experience that Brogdon has earned is invaluable to this Pacers team.
Sometimes, Brogdon’s play was overshadowed by the greatness of reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and sharp-shooter Khris Middleton. Since joining the Pacers, it seems like Brogdon is a different type of player or he’s just the same player that never had the chance to break out during his tenure in Milwaukee.
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Joining the Indiana Pacers gives him that opportunity and we’re seeing that early on to start the season.
Malcolm Brogdon’s style and approach to the game fits in perfectly with this Indiana Pacers team. In comparison to last season, I’ve noticed that Brogdon is attempting more shots and winning more of his matchups. It’ll be interesting to see where the Pacers put Brogdon when Victor Oladipo does return.
Does coach Nate McMillan think it’ll be beneficial for Brogdon to run the floor or will he slide Brogdon into the 2-spot when Oladipo does return? It’s important to remember that both Brogdon and Oladipo can be interchangeable at the guard positions
In terms of Oladipo running the offense again, McMillan will have to wait and see what type of player Oladipo returns as. Putting too much pressure on Oladipo all at once could become stressful and negatively impact his production. I can’t help but relate the recovery path of Gordon Hayward to Oladipo; it’s going to be a long and difficult, but achievable.
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The Pacers could have one of the best starting fives in the Eastern Conference when everyone is healthy : Victor Oladipo, Malcolm Brogdon, T.J. Warren, Myles Turner and Domantas Sabonis. Malcolm Brogdon puts a healthy Indiana Pacers team into the playoff conversation.