Malcolm Brogdon entered the 2019 NBA offseason as one of the most intriguing free agents available on the market. While he was a restricted free agent, teams knew that a max offer would be difficult for the Milwaukee Bucks to match. Kevin Pritchard and the Indiana Pacers were happy to take advantage of that.
After a furious start to free agency, the Pacers were able to agree to a sign-and-trade deal with the Bucks to acquire Brogdon on a four-year, $85 million deal. Indiana ended up sending a future first-round pick and two second-round picks to get the deal done.
Now, his career is set to get a fresh start and the Pacers could not be more excited to have him. Pritchard went so far as to say that signing him was an “epic” move for the franchise.
Last season with the Bucks, Brogdon dealt with some injury problems. He had foot issues that forced him to miss quite a bit of time. There were some concerns surrounding his health, but the Pacers were not worried about those concerns at all.
Brogdon ended up averaging 15.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. He also shot 50.5 percent from the floor overall and knocked down 42.6 percent from the three-point line.
All of that being said, what three improvements does Brogdon need to make with his new franchise?
3. Become an Even Better Facilitator
Brogdon was able to play off of Giannis Antetokounmpo over the last few years, but that won't be the case in Indiana. Granted, Victor Oladipo will be returning from his quad injury at some point this year, but he isn't the “Greek Freak.” The offense will run through Brogdon much more than it has in his NBA career thus far.
In order to become the biggest offensive threat he can be, Brogdon will need to become a better all-around creator. Indiana will need him to make plays for Myles Turner and Domantas Sabonis, and even Oladipo when he returns. The offense will rely heavily on Brogdon.
2. A More Vocal Presence Will Be Needed
This isn't to say that Brogdon hasn't been vocal enough throughout his career with the Bucks, but he will need to be an even bigger leader in Indiana. He made it clear in his introductory press conference that he knows the Pacers are Oladipo's team. That being said, the Pacers will want to utilize his IQ and leadership even more.
Simply listening to Brogdon's press conference, it was apparent how smart and intelligent he is on and off the court. That will be a major key for the Pacers moving forward.
1. It's Time to Showcase His Full Offensive Potential
Finally, the Pacers have been very adamant about needing more offense. Brogdon was an elite shooter last season, but will need to showcase even more of his offensive potential this year.
Oladipo is expected to miss the first two or three months of the season. The offense will be Brogdon's to run and Indiana will need him to step up and score around 19-20 points per game. If he can be that presence for them both in Oladipo's absence and when he returns, the team is going to be a lot more difficult to beat.
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