The Detroit Pistons have not yet filled out their entire roster, but are stuck in limbo with their last roster spot as they await news of Malik Beasley’s status and decision. In the meantime, an intriguing veteran free agent has found a new home. Point guard Malcolm Brogdon joins a Knicks team that has dramatically improved their depth in just one offseason.
Malcolm Brogdon: Bargain for Point Guard Depth
Brogdon is coming off two years of tanking with the Trailblazers and Wizards, but still retains many of the skills that helped him win 6th Man of the Year in 2023. As he goes into his age 33 season, Brogdon hopes to revive his incredible shooting efficiency and maintain his solid playmaking (with exceptionally low turnovers).
In his last season with the Celtics in 2022-23, Brogdon averaged 15 points per game in 26 minutes while shooting impressive splits of 48 percent from the field, an incredible 44 percent from three, and 87 percent from the free-throw line.
If Brogdon can show anything close to that production, he’ll be a valuable rotation piece. He also plays an important role where the Pistons could use further depth. The team is still lacking in a bonafide backup point guard, and a steady hand is always helpful to have, especially for a team that turns the ball over so often.
Brogdon has stuck around in the league for nearly a decade now, despite coming out of college as an old rookie and never being the most physically gifted. His patience and steady shot have gotten him this far, lessons that would be great to impart on a young star like Jaden Ivey. Brogdon has also played many different roles and found success in them, from being a starter in Indiana putting up 21 & 6 per night to his aforementioned bench success.
Now he instead joins a Knicks team that has added significant depth off the bench. In last year’s playoffs, including the first-round series against the Pistons, the Knicks lacked depth outside of their starters - or at least their coach felt like they did. Now they’ve switched the coach out and added bench pieces, especially at the guard spots.
Brogdon is the most recent addition to a bench unit also featuring newcomers Jordan Clarkson and Gueschon Yabusele. Getting Brogdon on top of that is just a luxury of riches off the bench.
The Pistons’ limbo situation has once again led them to miss out on a potentially useful free agent. Malcolm Brogdon likely wouldn’t have instantly turned the Pistons into championship contenders, but his steady presence at point guard would’ve helped keep the offense afloat when Cade goes to the bench. It still remains to be seen whether the Pistons will regret missing the chance to acquire cheap and valuable depth at that position.