The Rise of Malcolm Brogdon
Malcolm Brogdon is not your typical rookie.
Malcolm Brogdon appeared out of nowhere when he dropped his first career triple double (15 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists) in a Milwaukee Bucks win over the Chicago Bulls on New Year’s Eve.
Every off-season the NBA is graced with the next round of fresh talent looking to make their mark on the national stage. Every NBA fan channels their inner armchair GM, lauding their team’s newest recruit as the next franchise star or the latest bust.
It is during this period that little known commodities can make a name for themselves. GMs, executives and fans will embark on a steady diet of draft workouts and highlight clips for months on end, unable to contain their lust for their ideal selection with their pick.
Well — unless you are a Nets fan.
Whilst this annual phenomenon takes place, the usual questions are strewn around the internet. Can he shoot? Can he handle the ball? Is he a headcase? Can he fit the system? What about defense? Make no mistake, these questions are a vital process of identifying NBA talent.
Yet, one crucial element in a prospective player’s resume is overlooked far too often.
Experience.
Malcolm Brogdon elected to spend four years at the University of Virginia, and his decision is paying immediate dividends. Cool, calm and composed, Brogdon has been a revelation for a building Milwaukee outfit in the 2016–17 NBA season.
Billed as nothing more than a solid 3-and-D wing, Brogdon has exceeded all reasonable expectations.
Through his first 50 games of the season, Brogdon is averaging 9.2 points, 4.2 assists and 2.8 rebounds per game on 44% from the floor and 42% from downtown. The bubbling surprise packet has showcased an exceptionally diverse skill set and has placed himself firmly in the frame for Rookie of the Year behind Joel Embiid.
There were concerns over Brogdon’s ability to shoot the ball at NBA level. Although he had no issues efficiency wise in the college game, his unusual release point raised some eye brows.
Criticized as being a ‘push’ shooter, Brogdon gets little lift from his lower body and regularly shoots from his arms. The result is an easily contested jumper, which differs in consistency and has limited range. He suffers from a hitch, which has impacted his ability in the past to breakdown his man and make something happen. His release point is unconventional to say the least, but has improved from his early college days, where a casual observer may have believed he’d taken inspiration from Carlos Boozer.
In theory, this was supposed to hinder his scoring ability at the top level.
The question marks over Brogdon’s ability to shoot the ball on the brightest stage were justified, or so everybody thought.
It’s still early, but thus far he’s putting those doubts to rest. Like anything at this point, the sample size is still relatively small. But at the same time, 50 games is something. There is this guy called Ricky Rubio — remember him? He was a poor shooter from a small sample size, and remains a terrible one today.
There’s no doubt that Brogdon will cool off at some stage. It’s important to acknowledge that Brogdon is only attempting 2.3 attempts from deep a game, but his mechanics have passed their first test on his NBA journey.
42% from deep is no joke, and he’s also shooting 45% from deep on catch and shoot attempts. Considering that his form and consistency will only get better with time, there’s a lot to be excited about if your a Bucks’ fan.
Shooting aside, Brogdon is generating roughly half of his points per game from the paint. Whilst he’s only converting around 54% of his shots in the paint, his ability to get to the rim and finish strong will serve him well as he continues to solidify his game.
Brogdon understands his strengths and weaknesses offensively, a bi-product of his experience from the college game.
Furthermore, Brogdon is assured with ball in hand. Rarely rushed or overwhelmed, he always seems to make the right play.
Seldom asked to pick up main ball handling duties in Virginia, Brogdon has been a major component off the Bucks bench. Matthew Dellavedova was one of Milwaukee’s prime acquisitions in the off-season, but if the front office had their time over again, it’s unlikely the Australian champion would have been pursued.
Brogdon is an underrated playmaker. Boasting an assist to turnover ratio of 2.67 and a 24% assist percentage, he’s had few issues stepping up when Dellavedova or Jason Terry have struggled.
Brogdon has shown an insatiable appetite to keep the ball moving and fits the mould of the modern age combo guard. He’s comfortable bringing the ball up and initiating the offense.
His ability to drive and dish is exceptional. He possesses a nifty change of pace and looks more than comfortable in the pick and roll. The video below highlights the passing ability of the 24-year-old rookie.
As a fan watching from afar, it’s hard to remember this guy is a rookie. In fact, an entire article itself could be devoted to breaking down Brogdon’s ability to pass the ball, he’s just that good.
Seriously. Why does Brogdon look like a 12 year veteran?
Whilst many players view the collegiate system as a get rich quick scheme, Brogdon saw it as an opportunity to become as sure of himself as he could be. Whilst there’s still almost half a season to go and Brogdon will have his challenges along the way, there’s no doubt that the Bucks have struck gold.
- All stats courtesy of NBA.com unless otherwise stated
