Malcolm Brogdon
With the Jazz likely seeking an upgrade at the point over Ricky Rubio, one name that has come up a number of times among the Utah faithful is Malcolm Brogdon. Since we’re talking snipers specifically in this piece, Brogdon most certainly fits the bill.
He scorched the nets from deep this season at a blistering 42.6 percent. Not to mention, he also converted on 50.5 percent of his field goals and shot 92.8 percent from the free throw line, putting him in the illustrious 50-40-90 club with plenty of breathing room. This led to a healthy 15.6 points per game.
In other words, it goes without saying that Brogdon can shoot. His efficiency is off the scale and that deadly accuracy would be monumental for a Jazz offense that often struggles to hit a shot.
On the flip side, there are some issues with a potential Brogdon signing. First of all, as a restricted free agent, the Milwaukee Bucks have the right to match any offer sent his way. True, the Bucks might be strapped for cash and choose against Brogdon, as tough as it would be for them, but if that were the case, it also would likely mean that the Jazz (or any other team vying for his services for that matter) would have forked over a lot of dough for him.
As such, that would mean Brogdon was likely their only main addition of the offseason. And as much as there is to like about Brogdon, I don’t know that he’s necessarily the one pushing the needle for the Jazz to climb the Western Conference ranks.
In fact, as noted by The Athletic’s Tony Jones on Twitter, while Brogdon has a lot of great attributes, he wouldn’t necessarily fill what is a crucial void on the Jazz roster – a playmaker who can create and attack the paint off the dribble.
I don't think Brogdon helps this team as much as people seem to think he will. This team needs a real playmaker...someone who can consistently touch the paint off the dribble. Brogdon is a blender, not a playmaker https://t.co/9ZOSrti8mZ
— Tony Jones (@Tjonesonthenba) April 25, 2019
In other words, while Brogdon would fill one void, he wouldn’t fill the other, and he’d likely be the only big addition. I’d still love to see him in a Jazz jersey personally as I love his shooting prowess, effort and attitude. And he’d most certainly fit the bill as a sniper like we’ve been discussing here. But would he really be the answer to move the Jazz to another level in the West?
That’s a question Dennis Lindsey and Co. will have to answer before pushing hard to pursue the restricted free agent.