“They have a superstar in Jayson Tatum and probably another superstar in Jaylen Brown” – Former Rookie of the Year explains his decision to join Boston, expects the two superstars to chase a title with him
The Boston Celtics are out for revenge after coming up short in the NBA Finals. Insert veteran Malcolm Brogdon, who was acquired this offseason during a trade. Boston sent shockwaves throughout the league when it was reported they were trading for Brogdon.
Brogdon has made a reputation as one of the most underrated two-way players in the league. With a roster that already possessed impressive depth, Brogdon should make Boston deeper. The 29-year-old floor general had been with the Indiana Pacers for the last three seasons and averaged 19.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game last year.
Once it was clear that Indiana was heading towards a rebuild, the organization approached Brogdon about a trade. Speaking with "SiriusXM NBA" radio, Brogdon broke down the behind-the-scenes details that resulted in him being traded.
During the interview, Brogdon said that he was at one point weighing heading to the Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards or Celtics. Brogdon said that the intrigue of joining the Celtics was too good to pass up:
“I thought this team was farther along. They have a superstar in Jayson Tatum and probably another superstar in Jaylen Brown as well. I thought it would be a great fit for me because I wanted to win right now.”
New: Malcolm Brogdon revealed to @SiriusXMNBA that he had the option of going to the Celtics or Raptors this summer via trade. The veteran guard explained why he picked Boston: masslive.com/celtics/2022/1…
Malcolm Brogdon hopes to be missing piece for the Boston Celtics
The addition of Malcolm Brogdon for the Boston Celtics has the potential to provide the missing ingredient. The roster already had some fascinating players. Brogdon pointed at the ability of stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown for his desire to join the team.
The high basketball IQ and versatility of Brogdon should pair beautifully with this Celtics roster. The team already has versatile guards in Marcus Smart and Derrick White in their rotation. Adding another intelligent player like Brogdon should give interim head coach Joe Mazzulla some options.
"Malcolm's really good at basketball, that's an obvious one"
Jaylen Brown on Malcolm Brogdon https://t.co/OLa8CczJxQ
Brogdon has the size and two-way versatility to be a dangerous wrinkle for the Celtics' rotation this season. If he can stay healthy, Brogdon should become another outstanding asset Brogdon has been praised for his ability and leadership on the court. Those traits will be welcomed by a Celtics team that is determined to get back to the NBA Finals this season.
Brogdon spent his first three seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks, who drafted him 36th (in the second round) in 2016 out of Virginia. Despite his low draft selection, Brogdon was the 2016-17 Rookie of the Year.