BOSTON (AP) — The Boston Celtics understood Malcolm Brogdon’s frustrations throughout the offseason.
Last season, Brogdon did almost everything the Celtics could have hoped for. He thrived in a sacrificial role, coming off the bench. He never complained, and as the reserve unit leader, Brogdon earned NBA Sixth Man of the Year honors. But none of these is more important than sports’ unblemished commercial side.
Boston traded Brogdon, along with Robert Williams III and draft picks, to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Jrue Holiday, therefore terminating Brogdon’s tenure in Boston before he even made it to the NBA Finals.
“Malcolm had every right to be frustrated with us in the middle of summer,” Stevens said during the Celtics’ media day on Monday. “That being said, I wasn’t concerned that if Media Day started today and Jrue Holiday wasn’t available, he’d be a professional because that’s what he is.” He’s a nice man, a great teammate, and he knows the business side of things. So I believe he will do exceptionally well.”
Brogdon allegedly did not appreciate being drawn into trade talks concerning the Los Angeles Clippers. Whether it’s because of Brogdon’s ability to play through an elbow injury during the playoffs or his demonstrated ability to contribute off the bench, Boston’s desire of a better roster may have soured its relationship with the 30-year-old.
The front management moved in after Boston’s players showed to be all show and no heart during the playoffs last season. Because Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown aren’t getting any younger, and other NBA teams aren’t sitting around waiting for the Celtics to finally finish the job, something has to happen. Brogdon, like Marcus Smart, became a sacrificial lamb.
With Smart gone, the Celtics realized that adding a defensive specialist to their roster would help them re-establish their much-needed identity in that regard.
That meant being an opportunist as soon as Holiday, a prime prospect in Boston’s view, became available.
To be honest, we understood the figures had to match,” Stevens explained. “So you had a list of guys who might be interested in those types of deals, so you have to stay flexible and ready and all that.” I believe that when it came to Jrue, it was never perfect timing just before training camp, but this is a guy you want on your team whenever you can get him.”
Last season, Holiday ranked 11th among all guards in thefts (1.1) per game while averaging 19.3 points and earning All-Star accolades with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Holiday is scheduled to earn $34 million with a player option next season, so the Celtics might extend the 33-year-old, as they did with Kristaps Porzingis, to make the most of a sizable investment.
