Rockets Receive First-Hand Look at Trail Blazers' Trade Candidate Malcolm Brogdon
HOUSTON — Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka knew the Portland Trail Blazers were better than their 12-win record indicated. And by the end of Wednesday's contest inside the Toyota Center, the Rockets sustained a 137-131 overtime loss to the Trail Blazers.
Udoka understood that the Trail Blazers have an impressive young collection of talent led by Anfernee Simons, who finished the game with 33 points on 13 of 20 shooting, 4 of 9 from behind the arc. However, Udoka became impressed by the production he saw from Portland's veteran group when reviewing game film — especially from Malcolm Brogdon.
He displayed his significance to the Trail Blazers by finishing with 19 points and six assists in the win. However, with the trade deadline less than a month away, Brogdon's performance could have increased Houston's interest in the veteran guard.
"They have really good veteran scorers," Udoka said. "They have Malcolm Brogdon starting with [Scoot] Henderson coming off the bench. They are a talent that is better than what their record shows. Everyone is looking at their record but just look at the talent they have across the board. They are a dangerous team."
Trail Blazers guard Malcolm Brogdon shoots against Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun in overtime at Toyota Center.
Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Brogdon is one of the top players who could be on the move before the league's Feb. 8 trade deadline. Since his acquisition in the deal that sent Jrue Holiday to the Boston Celtics in September, Brogdon has been a prime trade target for Houston.
He is under contract for two more seasons and already has a positive relationship with Udoka from their brief overlap in Boston. Brogdon played a significant part in helping the Celtics reach the 2022 NBA Finals, and he could replicate his role within Udoka's rotation nearly two years later.
Brogdon has made a positive impact on each team he has played for throughout his career, and Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups has adored working with the reigning Sixth Man of the Year winner.
"Malcolm has been awesome," Billups said. "He is the voice for us. He has a ton of experience and has played for a lot of coaches. He is so efficient when on the floor. He also has a certain presence about him. It has been so good to have him. Now that he is starting, he has been playing well and great. He gives us a chance every single night."
Brogdon, 31, is averaging 15.7 points and 5.7 assists for the Blazers. Henderson continues to impress, which could result in the Trail Blazers looking to move Brogdon to create more playing time for their rookie point guard. Henderson finished with 11 points while playing 23 minutes off the bench in the Trail Blazers' comeback win in Houston.
Portland's asking price for Brogdon will be steep, and a packet surrounding the Brooklyn Nets' lottery pick may be the starting bid. However, landing Brogdon will allow the Rockets to improve their bench unit sooner rather than later.
