Milwaukee Bucks: 4 former players thriving with new teams this season
By Dalton Sell
Malcolm Brogdon has reinvented himself since leaving the Milwaukee Bucks
Malcolm Brogdon‘s departure following the Bucks’ run to the 2019 Eastern Conference Finals will always be a controversial one.
With the former Rookie of the Year hitting restricted free agency, the Bucks had the ability to retain him if they desired. However, with Brogdon battling through injuries frequently with the team throughout his first few seasons, they were cautious about handing him a long-term deal. That prompted the Indiana Pacers to hand him a four-year offer sheet worth $85 million, which the Bucks did not match and ultimately turned into a sign-and-trade for draft capital.
It was a tough loss for a team that was just two victories away from reaching the NBA Finals, but Brogdon stated that a bigger role was something he always envisioned. Playing for the Pacers has certainly given him that opportunity, particularly this year as he is playing the best basketball of his career by averaging 21.5 points on a .455/.391/.869 slash line, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game.
Brogdon’s Pacers have been bombarded by a vast number of injuries this season and are currently fighting for their playoff lives at ninth place in the East standings. Who knows, if Indiana can squeeze their way into the postseason, they could meet with the Bucks down the road.