When Malcolm Brogdon was on the verge of being traded this summer time, the Pacers gave the guard a couple of choices to choose from earlier than he finally selected the Celtics.
The alternative was comparatively simple for Brogdon, who’s made it so far as the convention finals as soon as – in 2019 with the Bucks – in his first six seasons.
“I picked Boston because I want to win,” Brogdon stated earlier this week.
Joining a Celtics group contemporary off an NBA Finals look and prepared for an additional championship will include some sacrifice for Brogdon, however he’s greater than OK with that.
For three years in Indiana, the guard was one of many Pacers’ main scorers. The final two years, although accidents restricted him, he was their main scorer. But with the C’s, Brogdon in all probability received’t even begin, extra possible enjoying a sixth man function and main the second unit.
But Brogdon knew what he was signing up for. On Wednesday – two days into coaching camp – he known as these Celtics probably the most gifted group he’s performed with. He’s not right here to get in the way in which.
In what methods has Brogdon been attempting to mesh together with his new group early in camp?
“Being unselfish is one,” he stated. “A guy like me that’s coming in here and not going to be the first or second option just being willing to sacrifice. I came from a team where I was a leading scorer, and guys know that. They know what I can do, they know what I did. So to come in here and be able to sacrifice and turn down shots to get a better shot and set these guys up, that shows a lot.”
That hasn’t appeared to be a tough change for Brogdon, who’s snug being a small half of a bigger sum regardless that he may simply be a high possibility elsewhere within the league.
“I think it’s about keeping everything in perspective and being honest with yourself, about where you are in your career, what type of players you’re playing with and what your real goal is,” Brogdon stated. “Is your goal to make money? Is your goal to get a lot of stats and outscore people, or is your goal to win? At this point in my career, my goal is to win, and I’m going to do everything I can to make that happen.”
Early on, Brogdon remains to be determining what changes he must make that include transitioning to a brand new group, each on the court docket and as a frontrunner for a bunch that already has a number of robust voices. But he appears assured he’ll match proper in.
“It takes time, it’s a day by day thing,” Brogdon stated. “It definitely can be tough, but a guy like me, I’m in my seventh year, I have a good feel, I’ve watched this team, I’ve played against these guys so much, I know what they are missing, and I know what I can provide. So for me, it’s being aggressive and continuing to play my game.”
Bigger function for Kornet?
With Rob Williams out 8-12 weeks as he recovers from left knee surgical procedure, the Celtics could also be trying to Luke Kornet to assist fill the void. On Day 1 of camp on Tuesday, Kornet was working alongside the beginning unit on the finish of apply. That might not essentially point out that Kornet will begin at middle when the season begins, however it may trace that the C’s need to proceed enjoying massive, which was profitable for them final yr with Williams within the lineup.
“I think that was our identity last year, was trying to play big,” new coach Joe Mazzulla stated. “We’re trying to figure out our identity on the defensive end, and keeping as consistent as we can is important. So I definitely think it’s something.”
The C’s can also play extra small ball within the absence of Williams, particularly with their robust guard depth. Mazzulla is staying open-minded.
“I think we have to be ready for anything,” Mazzulla stated. “The NBA season is a long season. We don’t know what to expect or what’s going to happen. I think trying different things gives us different identities. I felt the one thing we did great last year was we did what made sense where we found what the matchup was. If there was a lineup we can get to that makes sense and gets us an advantage on both ends of the floor, then I think we do it.”
C’s discover Larranaga return?
Could Jay Larranaga be coming again to the Celtics’ bench?
The C’s are reportedly searching for permission to speak to Larranaga – who was an assistant in Boston from 2012-21 earlier than he joined the Clippers’ employees final season – about returning to help Mazzulla.
Mazzulla didn’t deny the report when requested Wednesday.
“I think for me, it’s more about just studying our environment and figuring out what we need to help our staff and not just considering myself, but considering what do our players need?” Mazzulla stated. “What are they familiar with and what are they looking for on our staff? And so I think we’re just going to evaluate that and figure out where we are.”
Source: www.bostonherald.com