The expected absence of Malcolm Brogdon heading into the playoffs could spell trouble for the Milwaukee Bucks, who have suddenly become contenders
For much of the season, the Milwaukee Bucks have been one of the biggest surprises in the NBA. They’ve stormed through the Eastern Conference and currently own the best record in the entire league.
The presence of Mike Budenholzer can’t be overstated, as can’t be the continued progression of Giannis Antetokounmpo, who might be the favorite to win the NBA’s MVP award this season. However, another key to Milwaukee’s resurgence this season has been the play of Malcolm Brogdon.
Brogdon, in his third season, has improved almost every area of his game in every year. This season Brogdon is averaging 16 points, five rebounds and three assists, on 51 percent shooting from the field and 43 percent shooting from 3-point range.
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However, Brogdon is expected to miss extended time (6-8 weeks) after suffering a plantar fascia tear. The early reports out of the Bucks camp is that Brogdon could miss the entire first-round of the playoffs.
What could be even more troubling is if he ends up missing more. I don’t think anyone expects the Bucks to have any trouble with the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs, whether that ends up being the Miami Heat, Brooklyn Nets, Orlando Magic or Charlotte Hornets.
However, for one reason or another, if Brogdon were to miss extended time, his injury could pose some trouble for the Bucks. Especially in a second-round series against a seasoned team like the Boston Celtics, who they could very well end up playing in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Milwaukee doesn’t necessarily have a ton of depth behind Brogdon, and elected to move everyone up a position in their starting lineup against the 76ers, while adding Nikola Mirotic to the starting lineup.
Nevertheless, it’s going to be interesting to see how the Bucks evolve and adjust after the loss of Brogdon, and whether he returns sooner or later than the expected date at this point.