Ranking the top 50 NBA players of the 2021-2022 season: 50-41

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 29: LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets dribbles between Malcolm Brogdon #7 and Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers during the third quarter of their game at Spectrum Center on January 29, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /

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Top 50 NBA players ranked: 42. Malcolm Brogdon

Previous Rank: 36

One of the steadiest hands in the league, Malcolm Brogdon is the type of star who does not truly get recognized as such. He is consistent and dependable. He makes everyone around him better. Above all else, he is a leader. Even better, for the first time in his career Brogdon is paired with a coach perfectly fitted to maximize his potential as a floor general.

Last season Brogdon posted career highs in points (21.2), rebounds (5.3) and minutes (34.5) per game while adding in 5.9 assists per game. He has always been a picture of efficiency and last season was no different with shooting splits of .453/.388/.864. For a team that struggled to work throughout the year, when Brogdon was on the court was a definitive rudder.

Now comes the complicated part. The Pacers are part of plenty of trade rumors given the lack of consistent success despite having multiple stars on the roster. Brogdon has two years left on his current contract and is going to be playing for a coach who depends on his connection with his starting point guard. Brogdon has the potential to blossom into an All-Star under his new coach. Now is the time.