Improve to become an integral defender
Considering how decorated he was in this department during his time at Virginia as well as his savviness and physical tools, it would be fair to say that Brogdon’s defensive play since coming to the Bucks has fallen below Bucks fans’ expectations.
Some of that can be chalked up to the role defensively Brogdon held, as well as the Bucks’ collective defensive failings. Additionally, some of Brogdon’s athletic limitations was always going to be a hindrance when having to check some of the more athletic guards around the league.
But on the whole, Brogdon’s defensive services have stood fairly indiscernible in his two-plus years in Milwaukee. The advanced numbers back that up as Brogdon’s individual defensive rating climbed from 106.9 points per 100 possessions during his rookie campaign to 108.7 points per 100 possessions last year.
That may be an unfair or harsh sentiment and again, it may all be a byproduct of the schematic and defensive struggles that defined Jason Kidd’s tenure with the Bucks.
With the potential influence he holds on that end of the floor, though, Brogdon’s ability to be a viable piece within the Bucks’ defensive system under Budenholzer will hopefully become more realized throughout the season.