3 goals for Malcolm Brogdon in his 2019-2020 Indiana Pacers season

As a new face for the Indiana Pacers, Malcolm Brogdon has a lot to prove this season. In his role as point guard, here are three goals for the 2019-2020 season.

Each NBA season teams undergo a period of turnover of the roster. In seasons past, the Indiana Pacers organization is one that has known to keep familiar faces around for quite some time. However, the Pacers’ front office has been proactive in preparing the team to take the next step.

Taking that next step has meant acquiring free-agent talent to join an already formidable roster. That has led to the Pacers signing Malcolm Brogdon, a promising young guard who has already proven his worth.

In the absence of Victor Oladipo for the first half of the season, Brogdon has taken on a new role and a sense of responsibility for the 2019-2020 season.

Here are three goals Brogdon should look to achieve this season:

Play a full season

When it comes to Brogdon, there are not many flaws to his game. However, since coming into the league in 2016, the guard has experienced scrutiny due to his health.

The 26-year-old has suffered a slew of injuries that have caused him to miss stretches of games in each of his three seasons in the league.

During the 2016-2017 season, Brogdon played the most games in his career with 75 appearances, which is impressive for a rookie who was drafted in the second round. Since then, Brogdon has had the last two seasons derailed by various injuries.

Suffering a torn left quadriceps tendon during the 2017-2018 season put some of his progress on hold. That injury forced Brogdon to only play in 48 games in the 2017-2018 season.

That injury was compounded the next season with hamstring issues and a bothersome heel. In 2018-2019 Brogdon only saw action in 64 contests.

However, there is optimism for Brogdon. Knowing his history, the Pacers coaching, and medical staff will work diligently with Brogdon to thwart any chance of ending back on the injury report for an extended period.

Increase assist numbers

Without Oladipo, it looks as if Brogdon will be the primary ballhandler as the team’s starting point guard. Due to up-and-down performances in Summer League and the preseason so far, Aaron Holiday has yet to garner the starting point guard role which has thrust Brogdon into taking over the reins for this season.

In his rookie year, Brogdon had his highest average assist total with 4.2 and since that season it has dropped to a 3.2 average. For Brogdon to thoroughly orchestrate Coach McMillan’s offense, that number is going to need to increase.

Thankfully for Pacers fans, Brogdon is the type of athlete that is coachable and can willingly adjust his game according to what is being asked of him. The team and fans should have no doubt that Brogdon can assume this role and thrive in it.

Become the leader

Since being drafted out of the University of Virginia, Brogdon has been highly regarded due to his high character and what he brings not only to a team on the court but off it as well.

“Malcolm was our highest priority guy, and we feel very fortunate to have him. He was on a team that was super successful last year, and if you ever get a chance to meet Malcolm, you’d know that as good a basketball player as he is on the court, he’s a better human being,” said Pacers President of Basketball Operations, Kevin Pritchard.

That high regard is a reason for fans to have faith in what Brogdon will bring to the table this season. However, since coming into the league, Brogdon has not been the best player on his team, and until Oladipo returns, that may be changing.

This causes Brogdon to dive into an unfamiliar role as a leader for a playoff-contending NBA team. Brogdon in the past has always led by example, but with this new role, he may be forced outside of his comfort zone and become a vocal leader as well. There is no doubt that Brogdon will be able to rise to the challenge, it’s just an aspect of his game that is somewhat unknown.

Brogdon will be successful in his first season as a member of the Pacers. If can achieve these three goals, Brogdon will be able to take this team to new heights and prove why he was so highly sought after this offseason by the Pacers front office.