Halfway through the NBA regular season this season, Portland Trail Blazers backcourt big man Malcolm Brogdon seems to be in an awkward position. On January 2, the Trail Blazers lost to the Suns 88-109 at home, and Brogdon scored 10 points and 5 assists, making him the brightest performer among the Trail Blazers. However, he only played 21 minutes and was unable to participate in many key moments, which undoubtedly brought many restrictions to the veteran's performance.
Brogdon is a well-recognized player. He has excellent playmaking and liaison skills, regularly shooting above 40 percent from three-point range, and has plenty of experience on the defensive end. When he played for the Celtics last season, he averaged 18.1 points and 6.3 assists per game, shooting over 40% from three-point range and free-throw shooting, and was the absolute core of the team. Many see him as a favorite to be the best sixth man.
After coming to the Trail Blazers, Brogdon continued to perform well, but his role and status were very different from what they used to be. Although he averaged 16.2 points and 5.7 assists per game, and his shooting percentage exceeded his career average, he only played 28.3 minutes, far worse than core guard Lillard. What's more, the Trail Blazers' playbook doesn't leave enough room for the experienced point guard to shine, preferring instead to give young rookies a chance.
When the Trail Blazers trailed the Suns by 30 points, coach Bill Lapse still chose to let the new bench play, but Brogdon waited on the bench. This undoubtedly made the veteran's heart very uncomfortable. As a player who has maintained the highest playing time on the team, he certainly doesn't want to be a substitute or bottom.
Brogdon's current situation with the Trail Blazers can be described as "aggrieved." Despite playing good statistics, he was "marginalized" in terms of tactical layout and playing time. This is undoubtedly a big blow to the self-esteem of a veteran.
At the same time, Brogdon's performance has proven that he has every one of the qualities to be a team's primary point guard. With the Trail Blazers "frozen" him, why not give this talented player a chance to show his talents?
For teams that have aspirations but still need to improve, the win over Brogdon is undoubtedly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. After all, there are very few players like him who are both scoring and playmaking every year. He also has every right fit to be a regular in an ambitious team, even becoming the team's second-highest scorer.
At the same time, Brogdon's arrival will also greatly enhance the team's defensive strength. The veteran is not only emotionally stable, but also has a lot of defensive experience, and can be a mainstay of the team's defence. This is especially important for teams that don't defend well.
Finally, the addition of Brogdon can also go a long way in improving the team's roster mix. A consistent playmaker can not only share the pressure of scoring, but also control the team's tempo. This allows other pitchers to feel comfortable and improve their shooting percentages to the best they can be.
All things considered, the Portland Trail Blazers' Malcolm Brogdon is a treasure chest of guard options. His team status is too aggrieved, and it is really a big waste of the Trail Blazers' tactical layout. Teams that have the desire and quality to strengthen their point guard line should actively consider the veteran.
The acquisition of Brogdon will undoubtedly greatly strengthen the team's backcourt, making the problematic defense suddenly extremely solid. He can also bring a wealth of offensive tools, from scoring efficiency to tactical coordination. This is undoubtedly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a team eager to move forward.
I believe the Trail Blazers will also be happy to see the veteran leave, as their focus is clearly not on the veteran. And for Brogdon himself, it's also the best chance to get out of his current predicament and get back on his feet. Let's wait and see who can "rescue" this marginalized team core in the end!