Celtics rival could soon learn a painful lesson Boston has known for years
According to Ian Begley of SNY, Malcolm Brogdon is an individual on the New York Knicks' radar. They have two roster open spots, but can only offer free agents minimum contracts. They reportedly extended such a proposal to Ben Simmons. However, it appears that he passed on that opportunity.
Brogdon won the 2022-23 Sixth Man of the Year Award in his lone campaign with the Boston Celtics. He is still plenty productive. The six-foot-four guard averaged 12.7 points, 4.1 assists, and 3.8 rebounds in 23.5 minutes of floor time for the Washington Wizards last season.
The problem centers around his durability. The nine-year veteran has struggled to stay healthy throughout his career. He gave Boston an efficient offensive boost off the bench. Unfortunately, when the playoffs arrived, he suffered an arm injury that saw him go from a key contributor to someone the Celtics were better off not having on the hardwood.
Brogdon isn't to blame for his injuries. They aren't the result of poor conditioning or reckless play that must get reeled in. While undeserved, it is his reality. He appeared in 24 tilts last season and 39 the year before. In his final campaign with the Indiana Pacers, he played in 36 contests. The only time he suited up for more than 67 games was in his rookie year with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Why the Knicks may ignore Brogdon's durability concerns
New York isn't oblivious to the 32-year-old's track record. However, one reason the Knicks might not get deterred is his role in "The Big Apple." He would most likely be in the extended rotation, rather than a fixture in it. If that's the case, pacing him becomes much more manageable.
In that scenario, new head coach Mike Brown can feel optimistic about getting Brogdon's best in the playoffs. If he is getting appreciable minutes consistently in the regular season, then it's buyer beware. If navigating that circumstance, New York would be wise to give him scheduled rest days to help get through the upcoming campaign.
Brogdon turns 33 in December. Thinking he can duplicate his regular-season durability two years ago with the Celtics, then hold up in the playoffs, is an ill-advised approach.
It's reasonable to believe he can give Boston's rival more production than Simmons. However, to have those contributions when it matters most requires a well-calculated plan in the months leading up to that.
BREAKING: Packers’ Christian Watson perfectly sums up what it’s like to land $13.25 million contract
Christian Watson has yet to see action in the 2025 NFL season, as the Green Bay Packers wide receiver is still on the reserve/physically unable to perform list. But that did not hinder Green Bay from handing him a $13.25 million contract extension, as reported by multiple outlets on Tuesday.
Watson suffered a devastating torn ACL injury during the Packers’ final game of the 2024 NFL regular season against the Chicago Bears. He continues to work his way back to his top form, and he is expected to be back in action on the field at some point this season. That means Watson is to miss at least three more games following Week 1’s win over the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.
Packers’ Watson shares thoughts on new deal
Following the news of his contract extension with Green Bay, Watson took to social media to share an apparent reaction to it.
“Blessed,” Watson wrote as a caption for his post that shows him in a white Green Bay uniform while looking up.
Over his first three seasons in the NFL, Watson has accumulated 1,653 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns with 69 first downs on 98 receptions and 172 targets through 38 games, including 35 starts.
Green Bay has enough depth downfield to handle Watson’s absence, with the likes of Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, rookie Matthew Golden and tight end Tucker Kraft operating as quarterback Jordan Love’s chief targets in the passing attack.
