Wizards’ Brogdon Benched: Thumb Surgery Sidelines Veteran Guard
The Washington Wizards have hit an early season snag as veteran guard Malcolm Brogdon undergoes surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb. The team announced the procedure on Tuesday, casting a shadow over their preseason preparations.
Brogdon, 31, suffered the injury during a team practice in Montreal last Saturday. The Wizards wasted no time, sending him back to Washington, D.C., for imaging tests. These tests revealed the need for surgery performed in New York City on Tuesday morning.
The Wizards are keeping Brogdon’s return timeline tight-lipped. However, experts familiar with similar injuries suggest six to eight weeks to recover. This setback could see Brogdon missing not just the rest of the preseason but potentially the first month of the regular season.
This injury throws a wrench in the Wizards’ plans. They acquired Brogdon in a draft-night trade with the Portland Trail Blazers, seeing him as a valuable mentor for their young roster. The deal sent 23-year-old forward Deni Avdija to Portland in exchange for Brogdon, rookie Bub Carrington, and a handful of future draft picks.
While Carrington and the draft picks were the main prizes, the Wizards had high hopes for Brogdon’s leadership. He quickly embraced this role, spending time with young players during the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.
Brogdon’s absence will likely open up more playing time for rookies Carrington and Kyshawn George. This could be a silver lining, giving these young players valuable experience early in the season.
The veteran guard has had a solid NBA career, averaging 15.4 points and 4.7 assists per game over eight seasons with four teams. He won Rookie of the Year in 2016-17 with the Milwaukee Bucks and was named Sixth Man of the Year last season with the Boston Celtics.
However, staying healthy has been a challenge for Brogdon. He played in just 35 games last season and has only once played more than 56 games in the past five seasons.
Brogdon is in the final year of a two-year contract, earning $22.5 million this season. This situation and his expiring contract make him a prime candidate for trade rumors as the season progresses.
The Wizards now face some tough decisions. They must balance the need for veteran leadership with the opportunity to develop their young talent. How they handle Brogdon’s absence in the coming weeks could set the tone for their entire season.
As the team adjusts its game plan, all eyes will be on how rookies fill the gap. Will Carrington and George seize this opportunity to shine? Or will the Wizards feel the absence of Brogdon’s steady hand and experience?
The silver lining in this cloud is the chance for the Wizards to accelerate their youth movement. With Brogdon sidelined, the team has no choice but to lean more heavily on its young players. This baptism by fire could pay dividends later in the season and beyond.
The focus now shifts to Brogdon’s rehabilitation. The veteran guard has proven his resilience before returning from injuries to play at a high level. Wizards fans will hope for a speedy recovery and a return to form when he’s back on the court.
The rest of the league will be watching closely as the Wizards navigate this early-season challenge. How a team handles adversity can often reveal its true character. For Washington, this could be the first test in what promises to be a season of growth and change.