Malcolm Brogdon
Prediction: Will have multiple triple-double games
Why it will happen: Brogdon burst onto the scene in the 2016-17 season with a triple-double against the Chicago Bulls which catapulted him to eventually win the Rookie of the Year award.
Last season, Brogdon was unable to repeat the performance after playing in just 48 games due to injury. However, he did show improvements in his game in his limited time, increasing his points per game and effective field goal percentage.
Now, coming into this season healthy and looking more and more likely to become a full-time starter, Brogdon will have the opportunity to show off the all-around skill set that helped him break onto the NBA scene in 2016.
Playing in lineups surrounded by Giannis, Bledsoe and Middleton, Brogdon won’t be asked to do much scoring. But, he’s shown an ability to be a great facilitator and find the open man.
In a passing-heavy offense, Brogdon should have the ability to rack up the assists, while getting double-digit scoring shouldn’t be too much of a problem and his above-average size will help out in the rebound category.
Why it won’t happen: As easy as I just made a triple-double sound, it’s really hard to do in the NBA. Giannis only had one triple-double last season despite being a basketball-destroying force of nature.
Brogdon is almost definitely going to have to stay healthy for the entire season to get a chance at this, which is questionable considering last season. The prediction is also based on the assumption he’s the likely starter on opening night, a pretty big if.
But, mainly, triple-doubles are just really hard to get. Kevin Durant only had two last season. James Harden had only four, Chris Paul had one and Steph Curry had zero.
They’re not easy to come by.