Did Malcolm Brogdon Cost the Bucks a Title?

Guard Malcolm Brogdon is living it up with the Indiana Pacers. After signing a four-year, $80 million deal in the summer, Brogdon is averaging 20 points, 3.6 boards and 4 assists in his new role as main playmaker. The Pacers found a great guard at the expense of the Milwaukee Bucks. You know who is really hurt by Malcolm’s departure? Bucks forward and MVP Giannis Antetokunmpo.

In an interview with the Athletic’s Eric Nehm, Giannis said:

“Definitely wish he was still here. One of my friends, one of the guys that I always teased every day when I see him – call him ugly, we’re just going back and forth. I’m going to miss that, but at the end of the day, you got to do what’s best for you. I wish him the best, I wish his team the best and I’m excited to play against him.”

Giannis knows how better of a team the Bucks would be with Brogdon. He continued:

“Can you imagine this team with also Malcolm? But hey, man, everybody takes their decision. His decision was to go to Indiana and build a team over there. I think that was best for him.”

If you ask me, Brogdon should have been the one that the Bucks paid, not Eric Bledsoe. Malcolm Brogdon is a former rookie of the year and was a tough loss as the Bucks looked to build on a year that saw them make it to the Eastern Conference Playoffs. Brogdon not only was good friends with Giannis, but was young and would have been a perfect fit in a long term scheme.

What’s worse than letting a good player walk? Upsetting your best player during a crucial time for your franchise. Giannis has openly expressed how difficult it could be to resign with Milwaukee if they don’t win. It’s never good to lose a decent guard and piss off your best player at the same time. Malcolm Brogdon’s departure may very well have cost the Bucks a ring, but the fault lays at the feet of the Bucks front office.