The Boston Celtics’ missing piece from a season ago receives his flowers. Boston’s NBA Finals run last year lacked an elite bench scorer. Derrick White would come into games and produce and sometimes start, but other than him, it was solely on the shoulders of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. This season that all changed with the acquisition of Malcolm Brogdon.
A Boston Celtics player is the first to win the John Havlicek Trophy (6th Man of the Year). The newly named award was given to Malcolm Brogdon last night for his incredible performance off the bench this season. Brogdon’s final regular season stat line was 14.9 ppg (1st in NBA for non-starters), 4.2 rpg (3rd in NBA for non-starters), and 3.7 apg (2nd in NBA for non-starters).
Malcolm Brogdon Wins 6th Man of the Year
Brad Stevens Magic
In just his second season as the General Manager of the Boston Celtics, it continues to amaze whether it was the hiring of Ime Udoka that propelled the Celtics to the NBA Finals. Adding Al Horford to a strong squad or extending key role players like Marcus Smart and Robert Williams III, everything Stevens touches turns to gold.
There was no surprise when Malcolm Brogdon became a star in Boston. The trust the team, fanbase, and ownership have in Brad Stevens in his decision-making is indescribable. Not only does Stevens make the right moves he knows the reasoning behind every single decision.
Brogdon was a proven NBA veteran who brought a sense of stability and tenacity off the bench. The Celtics General Manager had high praise for Brogdon telling NBC Sports Boston, “From day one, Malcolm has eagerly embraced his role as a game changer off the bench,” Stevens said. “His emphasis on winning has been reflected daily in his work, his play, and his selflessness. Malcolm winning the award named after John Havlicek, an all-time Celtic, could not be more appropriate.”
An Historic Achievement at an Historic Franchise
Malcolm Brogdon became just the 3rd Sixth Man of the Year in Boston Celtics history. Some pretty great company in 3x NBA Champion Kevin McHale and 2x NBA Champion Bill Walton. The first Celtic to win the award in 37 years, showing how much Brogdon means to this Boston franchise.
Another historic part about this achievement for Brogdon, who is the second player ever to be named ROTY and 6MOTY, joining Mike Miller. The term super sub does not even begin to describe the impact Brogdon has on the Boston Celtics. Overall, it was an impressive first season in Boston for the 7th year guard.
Bigger Goals in Mind
Although Malcolm Brogdon received the award today, he is still focused on the team’s main goal. In a video posted on the Boston Celtics social media Instagram, Brogdon says, “This isn’t the goal, but it is nice recognition.” After falling a few games short a season ago, this Celtics roster is looking for redemption.
The team has rallied around the mantra “Unfinished Business” and has dominated so far in the NBA Playoffs. The toughest games are ahead of them, though, looking at Philadelphia and Milwaukee, most likely to reach the NBA Finals once again. No matter who the opponent the leadership and determination of this team has them ready for whatever battle presents itself.
The Boston Celtics are taking it one game at a time. Next up is Game 3 on the road in Atlanta against the Hawks. A tough road test will rely heavily on the veterans and the newly awarded 6MOTY Malcolm Brogdon. He is coming off his best performance in the playoffs in Game 2. Brogdon went for 13 points, 8 assists, and 7 rebounds. All in all, Malcolm Brogdon has been crucial to Boston’s success this season.
