In one of the best under-the-radar moves this offseason the Boston Celtics traded for Malcolm Brogdon. The Pacers guard has been rumored to be on the move for quite some time and the Celtics were able to put a package together to pique their interest. For the price of a 2023 first-round pick, Daniel Theis and Aaron Nesmith, Boston is hopeful to have added their missing piece.
This is a small price to pay for a player of Malcolm Brogdon’s caliber. The 29-year-old is a high IQ point guard who will be capable of running the offense in a way the Celtics have lacked. The Virginia product holds career averages of 15.5 points, 4.8 assists, and 4.5 rebound per game. He also is a capable three-point shooter with a career average of 37.6%.
While last season was an excellent overall performance by the Celtics, it was clear they were lacking a true point guard. Marcus Smart is an incredibly valuable piece of the Celtics and has come a long way in his development. However, he still is not at his best as a playmaker in the half-court. While the defensive advantages that Smart still make him a solid option with the starters, Brogdon will provide a necessary different look. The veteran has already shown a team-first attitude and said he is open to coming off the bench. There is a lot to be excited about heading into the season and here are three predictions for his opening year with the Celtics.
"I'm in my prime…I think it's the perfect time for me."
Malcolm Brogdon on his introduction to the Celtics 🗣pic.twitter.com/LCJ28Iepfu
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) July 12, 2022
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Malcolm Brogdon: 3 bold predictions for guard's first season with Celtics after Pacers trade
Malcolm Brogdon Averages Over 7 Assists Per Game
There has only been one season where Malcolm Brogdon has averaged over seven assists per game thus far. During the 2019-20 season with the Pacers he had averaged a career-high 7.1 assists per game. He also has averaged under four assists in two of his seasons in the NBA and averaged 5.9 per game the past two years.
Given the role that Malcolm Brogdon will be in this season, expect him to go to another level as a playmaker. The flurry of impressive scorers around Brogdon will take away more of the scoring load off him than he is accustomed too. Allowing the 2017 Rookie of the Year to serve as a pure point guard will take away some of the isolation nature of the current Celtics style of play. This would be extremely beneficial to the team and is a role Brogdon can deliver in. Expect him to set a career-high in assists this year and tally over seven per game.
Brogdon Cracks the Closing Lineup
It is admirable the mindset that Malcolm Brogdon has shown since the trade has been announced. He has made it clear that he has a team-first mindset and is prepared to sacrifice. He has been vocal in his willingness to come of the bench and says he does not care about stats in the way he once did.
The Celtics starting lineup was very successful last season. It is certainly reasonable to keep this lineup intact for this reason. Even if Malcolm Brogdon does not start this season, it is likely he finds his way into the closing lineups. Boston needs the calming presence of the guard on the court and the playmaking ability he possesses. His presence could have been the difference in the Finals last year and the Celtics will hope it is the case moving forward. Expect him to play a valuable role in crucial moments for the Celtics.
Jayson Tatum Sets Career-High in Points Next to Brogdon
One of most entertaining career arcs to watch thus far has been Jayson Tatum. The former third overall pick has continually added layers to his game throughout his five year career. Tatum averaged a career-high 26.9 points per game last season. The 24-year-old is still developing and could still go to another level. The passing ability of Malcolm Brogdon could play a key role in further unlocking the Celtics star.
As impressive as Jayson Tatum’s production has been, he has done most of his damage in isolation. He is incredibly effective at navigating his spot and using his array of dribble moves. Adding a high-caliber playmaker next to him will certainly make life easier for the Duke product. While Tatum will need to make adjustments in his play as well, the end result should be easier looks. The three-time all-star is such a dynamic talent that is capable of doing more than just scoring in isolation. Look for Ime Udoka to get creative in the play call and off-ball movement to help his superstar. Tatum ranked 7th in the NBA in points per game last year, but don’t be surprised if he is in the running for a scoring title this season.
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