29MALCOLM BROGDONShooting guard, Virginia to San Antonio Spurs
Experience, willing passing, efficiency; the kind of attributes that make anyone fit in with the San Antonio Spurs.
Of course, not many players taking their first steps into the NBA fit that category and obviously no rookie has the experience of the Spurs’ championship-winning veterans. However, as rookies go, 6’5″ shooting guard Malcolm Brogdon fits the kind of description that the Spurs look for in young players who can enter their system.
Coming off a productive four-year career at Virginia, playing at least 30 minutes per game over the last three seasons, Brogdon has established himself as one of the most successful players in the school’s history and finished as the ACC Player of the Year in 2016. He isn’t a high-flying athlete, but after averaging 18.2 points on 45.7 percent shooting last season (39 percent with two makes a night from three) and playing excellent defense (he’s also versatile with his quickness and 6’10” wingspan), Brogdon can deliver a role as someone who is ready for the NBA now.
The Spurs are freshly eliminated from the playoffs and want to return with a le run next season, so young prospects years away from their potential aren’t really of interest.
Brogdon has started off his campaign to earn a higher draft pick in convincing manner as well, delivering a 17-point (8-of-11 shooting), 6-assist, 4-rebound, 4-steal performance at day one of the NBA Draft Combine.
All Brogdon does is show up, play at both ends of the floor, and repeats. He fits the Spurs mould and would be a nice backcourt selection as Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili approach the end of their storied careers.