Pacers point guard Malcolm Brogdon has incurred a Grade 1 left AC sprain, per Scott Agness of Fieldhouse Files (via Twitter).
This is a shoulder separation, typically low-grade enough to not require surgical intervention. The recovery timeline for these injuries can take up to 6 weeks to heal. Agness adds that Brogdon is a scratch for tonight’s preseason contest against the Grizzlies. The Pacers are set to play their first game of the 2021/22 regular season against the Hornets on October 20.
Brogdon’s name has been a popular one on the trade market this summer, as the Sixers have apparently had conversations with Indiana about including him along with promising swingman Caris LeVert in a package for Philadelphia’s disgruntled All-Defensive First Teamer Ben Simmons.
Even though Brogdon has yet to be named to an All-Star team, he is an above-average starter with two-way ability at one of the most valuable positions in the NBA on a reasonable contract, which makes him a key attribute in a lot of trade chatter. The 28-year-old has one year and $21.7 million left on his current deal. In 56 games last season, Brogdon averaged 21.2 PPG, 5.9 APG and 5.3 RPG, while logging a stellar shooting line of .453/.388/.864.
How, if at all, this injury affects his desirability this season remains to be seen.
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