Should the Indiana Pacers part ways with Malcolm Brogdon?
There have been rumblings Indy might trade shooting guard Buddy Hield for triple-double machine Russell Westbrook.
However, a package involving Brogdon shouldn’t surprise the Pacers fan base.
The Indiana Pacers have emerged as a team that could make a move for Russell Westbrook. Buddy Hield and Malcolm Brogdon could be headed to the Lakers in a potential deal 👀
(via The Athletic) pic.twitter.com/GwktXaGLP4
— Basketball Forever (@Bballforeverfb) April 12, 2022
In three seasons with the squad, Brogdon has held his own in terms of scoring and playmaking.
Unfortunately, he hasn’t exceeded lofty expectations since the Pacers acquired him via a sign-and-trade with the Milwaukee Bucks three years ago.
Let’s break down the pros and cons of retaining Brogdon.
Pro: Explosive Scorer And Decent Playmaker
When Brogdon is on his game, he’s hard to keep in check.
Whenever the Pacers’ offense stagnates, he can pick up the slack.
Whether Indy needs a perimeter threat or a slasher, Brogdon is more than up to the task.
He’s also a solid free-throw shooter.
He has shot 85.6 percent from the stripe entering the 2022-23 NBA season.
Some experts believe he’s the best point guard Indiana has had since Mark Jackson.
It’s hard to argue with that.
Scoring-wise, Brogdon is definitely better than several point guards in recent Pacers history.
These include Darren Collison, George Hill, Jeff Teague, and Jamaal Tinsley.
Tinsley is the best in terms of playmaking and passing abilities.
For his part, Brogdon can make a timely assist.
However, he’s not on Jackson’s and Tinsley’s level in that department.
Brodgon has also developed exceptional chemistry with Tyrese Haliburton since the Pacers acquired the latter in the Domantas Sabonis trade almost three months ago.
It’s highly reminiscent of Indiana’s two-point guard backcourt of the 1990s featuring Jackson and Travis Best.
If Brogdon does stick around, he can help develop Haliburton – arguably Indiana’s brightest young star – into a potential All-Star.
Con: Extensive Injury History
Brogdon has never played an entire 82-game season in his six-year NBA career.
The guy just cannot stay healthy.
When he played for the Bucks, the most he ever played was 75 games in his rookie season in 2016-17.
As a Pacer, the most he’s ever played was 56 games during the shortened 72-game campaign in 2020-21.
Sure, he has tremendous upside.
However, Pacers president of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard should’ve considered Brogdon’s injury history prior to his acquisition three years ago.
It seems this tiger – Indiana’s highest-paid player at $22.6 million for the 2022-23 NBA season – just cannot change his stripes.
Verdict: The Pacers Should Part Ways With Malcolm Brodgon
This one’s a close call.
Brogdon brings a lot to the table: scoring, playmaking, and veteran savvy.
"Rival executives around the league believe the Indiana Pacers will trade Malcolm Brogdon this offseason following the departures of Caris LeVert and Domantas Sabonis, along with the acquisition of Tyrese Haliburton." (via @MikeAScotto) pic.twitter.com/sTfMDWpQp6
— The Trade Deadline (@_TradeDeadline) February 9, 2022
Durability?
That’s a totally different story.
Look no further than Brogdon’s extensive injury history and inability to complete an 82-game NBA season.
It’s been a recurring theme Pacers Nation has been accustomed to.
On that note, it’s best if Indy moves on from Brogdon.
There’s no need for Pritchard and co. to fret should Brogdon leave: Haliburton is the major piece they should build around.
We’re looking at the Pacers’ next franchise player who has All-Star written all over him.
As for Brogdon, perhaps a timely change of scenery can change the trajectory of his injury-riddled pro basketball career.
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