Malcolm Brogdon
Preseason prediction: Will have multiple triple-double games
Verdict: Incorrect
Like the Snell prediction, I made this Brogdon prediction before I knew that Brogdon would be taking over in the starting lineup.
When Brogdon was the Sixth Man for the Bucks last year, he played a larger role when it came to playmaking and running the offense, which is why he averaged more assists per 100 possessions (8.1) his rookie year than his injury-shortened second year and this season (5.2).
As a starter, Brogdon’s role narrowed playing alongside playmakers like Bledsoe and Giannis more of the time. Replacing Snell, Brogdon was asked to focus more on scoring, whether that be spot-up shooting off passes from Giannis and Bledsoe or driving to the rim when the paint cleared out.
With the focus on scoring, Bledsoe has had by far the best shooting season of his career, averaging career highs in points as well as career-highs in field goal, three-point and free throw percentage.
Brogdon didn’t have the all-around season that I predicted due to the context of the team he was playing with, but he still had a tremendous season (50-40-90!) that even the most optimistic fans likely didn’t see coming.
Running tally: 0/4, 1 push