Malcolm Brogdon has stepped up for the Indiana Pacers in the absence of Victor Oladipo. The former Rookie of the Year is averaging 18.9 points, 4.5 rebounds and 7.6 assists in 24 games and his play on both ends of the floor is a big reason why the Pacers are 19-9 on the season.
Oladipo, who is still recovering from his knee injury, can't wait to play with Brogdon:
“He’s playing amazing right now,” Oladipo told Alex Kennedy of Hoops Hype. “First and foremost, he’s doing a great job out there of leading us and preparing us to play before every game. I mean, he’s a great player. Obviously, I was excited for us to get him before the season started and now that we’ve got him, I’m glad he’s here. I’m really looking forward to getting out there and playing alongside him. I think we got a chance to be a special backcourt and do something special this year.”
Oladipo averaged 18.8 points, 5.6 rebounds and 5.2 assists for the Pacers last season before he got hurt. The high-flyer shot 42.3 percent from the field, 34.3 percent from beyond the arc and 73.0 percent from the free-throw line.
In need of scoring while Oladipo rehabs his knee, the Pacers acquired Brogdon, T.J. Warren and Jeremy Lamb this past summer. All three guys have been scoring the ball well for the Pacers.