Ranking the top 50 NBA players of next season: 40-31

BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 28: Jaylen Brown #7 and Kemba Walker #8 of the Boston Celtics talk during a game against the Toronto Raptors at TD Garden on December 28, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

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36. Malcolm Brogdon

Malcolm Brogdon took something of a step back this season but he was still the driving force for the Indiana Pacers in lot of subtle ways. He would get all of his teammates involved and (when he was available) was still an effective scorer.

Efficiency was the name of Brodgon’s game with the Milwaukee Bucks and he saw that dip last season. He still sported solid splits of .438/.326/.892 but this is stark compared to the previous seasons .505/.426/.928. Some of this can be contributed to his drastic increase in usage rate (20.7 percent to 25.2 percent) and there is the issues with health and increased defensive focus.

He was still effective overall and made the Indiana Pacers better. For a team that missed Victor Oladipo for much of the year having a lead playmaker was essential and Brogdon did that. He makes his teammates better and helped the next player on this make the leap to All Star level.

Looking at his impact is as simple as looking at the issues the Bucks faced without him this season. He is a subtle offensive creator that helps create shots for the rest of his team. In the playoffs that is essential when defenses clamp down. Should he return to normal health he may be on track to make his first All-Star game himself.