After Jrue Holiday, Malcolm Brogdon will he be traded again by the Blazers? This is what was being rumored this weekend after the transfer concluded between Boston and Portland, but the best sixth man of the year warns that it is false!
“I have had discussions with the Blazers front office and with Chauncey,” Brogdon says. “They want me to be here, and I want to be here. There’s a lot of misinformation going around that they should trade me or that I want to leave. For now, I’m trying to make the most of this opportunity. Right now it’s about taking a leadership role with these young guys and I embrace that. I’m glad to be here. God put me here for a reason, so I’m enjoying this moment.”
A complicity with Chauncey Billups
On paper, Brogdon should remain 6th man and be the backup to Scoot Henderson and Anfernee Simons. Chauncey Billups counts on him to supervise them but also to channel them.
“A guy like Malcolm brings so much stability and confidence and he’s just an adult.”, said Chauncey Billups. “He has been playing for a long time, and he has played in important matches. It brings a certain calm. That’s what I think because I know him. »
Rookie Of The Year in 2017 then Best Sixth Man of the Year in 2023, Brogdon is a great catch for the Blazers, and his complicity with Billups is a plus when attacking after Lillard. The two became friends during humanitarian trips to Africa. “I have a lot of faith in Chauncey and what he’s doing here. I’m in a good state of mind. It’s a special opportunity for me to be able to play for a legend, a Hall of Famer, a guy of his stature, and be a part of something that he’s building from the ground up. I think it’s a great experience to have.”
A leader at heart
Almost 31 years old, Malcolm Brogdon is more than ready to play mentor and be the coach’s relay on the field. This is a new step in his journey: transmitting.
“I think all of that really prepared me. I think it prepared me for a situation like this, with all the experience I’ve gained over my seven or eight years of career.” continues the former Celtic.“I played for title contending teams, I came to a team with young stars, and there are several young stars on this team, and a coach who really does it right, and who the guys admire and really respect. So I think it’s an ideal situation for me as a veteran to play a leadership role. »
For him, the most important thing is to stay himself and not “cheat”. “Young people and NBA players in general don’t let themselves be intimidated. They see very well when you are not being sincere or yourself. By being myself, I feel like I’m a leader at heart. I learned a lot from my time at Indiana, being around young guys, but this team is even younger. Now I’m three or four years older, so I think I’m better suited to this role at this stage of my career. I can still play and I can’t wait to do it with these guys.”
