Inside The Celtics

Malcolm Brogdon Becomes Third Player in Celtics History to Win Sixth Man of the Year

Malcolm Brogdon joins two-time winner Kevin McHale and Bill Walton as Celtics who earned Sixth Man of the Year honors.

Bobby Krivitsky

David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
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Malcolm Brogdon came to Boston ready and willing to sacrifice.

"The Celtics, Brad (Stevens), they were very upfront about that, coming off the bench, and I was all for it, am all for it," conveyed the former Virginia Cavalier after a late-season win over the Raptors.

"And I knew it would be a very fluid situation. And for me, it's about understanding that, embracing it, and continuing to embrace it for 82 games and the playoffs. I feel like that's what I've done; that's what I've tried to do to the best of my ability."

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Brogdon's embracing of his role in Boston as the leader of the second unit translated to him generating 14.9 points, the highest scoring average among players who didn't start in a single game this season, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game.

He also nearly shot his way into the 50/40/90 club for the second time in his career, shooting 48.4 percent from the field, knocking down a career-best 44.4 percent of the 4.4 threes he hoisted, the fourth-highest accuracy rate in the NBA, and converting on 87 percent of his free throws.

Thursday, C's head coach Joe Mazzulla praised the veteran guard for his two-way impact.

"Just being the spearhead of the second unit, whether it's scoring in early offense, his pick-and-roll threes, his catch-and-shoot threes," then stating of his play at the other end, "Just his ability to adjust to our defensive scheme and really make an impact on that end of the floor has helped us."

Shortly after that, while on NBA Tip-Off, Brogdon received the Sixth Man of the Year Award from Jamal Crawford, who earned the honor three times.

Upon receiving the John Havlicek Trophy, Brogdon, who received 60/100 first-place votes, expressed, "Hearing my name for this award with (what) Jamal and others have done before me, it's awesome. And to share it with my family is special."

Celtics' president of basketball operations, Brad Stevens, stated the following about the player who just joined Mike Miller as the only two in league history to win NBA Rookie of the Year and earn Sixth Man honors in a Career.

"From day one, Malcolm has eagerly embraced his role as a game changer off the bench," Stevens stated. "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."

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David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

The Georgia native, who's helped Boston build a 2-0 lead against his hometown Hawks, is the fourth Celtic to win Sixth Man of the Year.

The NBA began handing out the award in 1982-83. The following season, Kevin McHale started a three-year stretch where the hardware shipped off to Boston.

McHale won Sixth Man of the Year in 1983-84 and 1984-85. Then, Bill Walton did so in 1985-86. Now, Brogdon adds to the Celtics' illustrious history of stars coming off the bench, including Havlicek, the trophy's namesake, who shined in that role before the award existed.

McHale, Walton, and Havlicek helped bring championships to Boston, another accomplishment Brogdon hopes to have in common with those past Celtics greats.

Further Reading

Celtics Discuss Sixth Man Malcolm Brogdon's Sacrifice and What He Brings to the Table

The Latest on the Celtics' Hopes for a Top 2nd-Round Selection

[Film Room] Derrick White's Assertiveness Leads to 26 Points, MVP Chants as Celtics Take 2-0 Lead

What the Celtics Say They're Focused on as Series Moves to Atlanta

Celtics Discuss Derrick White Stepping Up in Game 2 Win: 'We Need Him to Continue to Play at this Level'

Here's What Stood Out in Celtics' Win vs. Hawks in Game 2: Swarming Defense and 64 Paint Points Propels Boston to 2-0 Lead

The Celtics Discuss Their Game 1 Win vs. the Hawks: 'We Can't Take Our Foot Off the Gas'

Here's What Stood Out in Celtics' Game 1 Win vs. Hawks: Championship-Caliber Defense Propels Hosts in Series Opener

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Bobby Krivitsky
BOBBY KRIVITSKY

Bobby Krivitsky's experiences include covering the NBA as a credentialed reporter for Basketball Insiders. He's also a national sports talk host for SportsMap Radio, a network airing on 96 radio stations throughout the country. Additionally, he was a major-market host, update anchor, and producer for IMG Audio, and he worked for Bleacher Report as an NFL and NBA columnist.

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