Of course, after only 1 regular season game, the slightest analysis may seem hasty. But for Malcolm Brogdon, it is actually a simple confirmation. Because even before his official debut with the Boston Celtics, the color had been announced: it is, discreetly, from one of the hits of the summer.
Because on this offseason, the franchise of Massachusetts has therefore managed to recover the rear from the Indiana Pacers against Daniel Theis, Aaron Nesmith, Nick Stauskas, Malik Fitts, John Morgan and a Draft pick in 2023. A really, really low price to pay for a player of Brogdon’s quality.
On paper, the ex-Milwaukee Bucks player had the perfect profile to bolster last year’s hapless finalist. A good manager capable of bringing points off the bench. And in fact, the magic is already happening…
Malcolm Brogdon already on the beat
Face at the Philadelphia Sixers (126-117), Brogdon perfectly held his rank off the bench. His statistical contribution was excellent: 16 points (7/11 on shots), 4 assists and one of the best differentials in the game (+9). Beginnings also amply successful in terms of impact.
Because the native of Atlanta was not content to blacken the sheet of stats. Very clearly propelled into the leader of the “second unit”he assumed this status to dictate the game without Jayson Tatum et Jaylen Brown. And while the bench of the 76ers showed its limits (10 points in total !!!), that of the Celtics made the difference with Brogdon and Grant Williams.
A major change for this team, penalized by the weakness of its substitutes last year.
“My first official as a Celtic? It was really great man! It’s been a dream to be able to play for this organization. To put on this shirt. Besides, to be able to do it after the death of Bill Russell, to be able to honor him in this way, it is a blessing”, told Malcolm Brogdon in front of the press.
On this summer, the 29-year-old chose to join the Celtics. Indeed, the Pacers left him the choice of his future team and he notably snubbed the Toronto Raptors to land in Massachusetts. An interesting and ambitious decision after a career too often hampered by injuries.
But also a real chance for Boston.
With Malcolm Brogdon, the Celtics worry the NBA…
A small ball that works
Because Brogdon therefore has the perfect profile to fill the gaps in this training. The Celtics needed a better manager off the bench? Brogdon. The Celtics needed a scoring contribution off the bench? Brogdon. But icing on the cake: he also offers a new weapon to this team.
Because without Robert Williams, lump sum for half of this financial year, Boston has adapted its game. With a greater emphasis on small-ball and fast transitions. On this aspect, the 76ers have truly lived through hell. A 24-2 for the Celtics on points scored on counterattacks.
And do we really have to say which player allows this formation to accelerate the tempo (with or without the holders)?
“Without Rob at the moment, we are using a smaller team to put more pace. We are playing to our strengths to take advantage of quick attacks,” admitted Tatum.
“Last year’s group had a clear vision of how to approach this season. They wanted to improve the speed of their game. And us guys off the bench, we want to be able to push the tempo. when starters can count on Tatum and Brown, two of the best guys in the NBA in isolation.
I think that’s one of our biggest strengths: the ‘second unit’ can pick up the slack and pick up the pace,” Brogdon explained.
And on this first meeting, Philadelphia clearly did not hold the shock. Will this trend continue over time? We think so… In any case, if his body leaves him alone, Malcolm Brogdon clearly has the qualities to consistently produce such copies.
For a team of Boston’s standing, getting a player of this level for almost nothing is a steal. And the other NBA franchises are in danger of biting their fingers…
Podcast #59: Our predictions for the 2022-23 NBA season (feat. Rémi Reverchon)