Malcolm Brogdon, 32, announced his retirement on Wednesday after an impressive NBA journey with five teams. Known for intelligence, leadership, and quiet excellence, he concludes a notable career.
The announcement came weeks after Brogdon signed a one-year, non-guaranteed deal with the New York Knicks on September 12. Expected to serve as a steady reserve behind Jalen Brunson, Brogdon performed well during preseason practices and even traveled with the team to Abu Dhabi. Yet, according to The New York Post, he informed Knicks officials this week that his passion for the game had waned after nearly a decade of physical and mental battles.
“Today, I officially begin my transition out of basketball,” Brogdon said in a statement to ESPN. “I have proudly given my mind, body, and spirit to the game. The many sacrifices led to many rewards, and I am grateful to arrive at this point on my own terms, ready to enjoy my career’s benefits with family and friends.”
From Cavalier standout to NBA mainstay
Before reaching the professional ranks, Brogdon was a cornerstone of Tony Bennett’s rise at the University of Virginia. The Atlanta native joined the Cavaliers in 2011 and quickly became known for his defensive tenacity and academic discipline. In his senior year, he earned consensus first-team All-American honors. He was named the 2016 ACC Player of the Year and captured his second straight ACC Defensive Player of the Year award. These achievements highlighted his exceptional impact among college players.
Brogdon scored 1,809 points, ranking ninth on Virginia’s all-time scoring list, and joined the exclusive group of only eight Cavaliers to have their numbers retired. He averaged 13.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in his collegiate career, guiding Virginia to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, including an Elite Eight run in 2016.
“Malcolm was the model of what we want a Virginia player to be — grounded, tough, and selfless,” head coach Tony Bennett said at the time of Brogdon’s jersey retirement. “He embodied everything about our program.”
A career of milestones and perseverance
The Milwaukee Bucks selected Brogdon with the 36th overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft—a choice many considered an exceptional value. In his rookie season, he averaged 10.2 points and 4.2 assists per game, earned NBA Rookie of the Year honors, and defied expectations about his professional potential. This award underscored his immediate impact in the league.
After three seasons in Milwaukee, Brogdon was traded to the Indiana Pacers. There, he reached career-best numbers, averaging 19 points per game in 2020–21. His tenure with the Boston Celtics included serving as a key bench player during their 2022–23 Eastern Conference Finals run. He won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award, becoming only the second player in league history — alongside Mike Miller — to win both Rookie of the Year and Sixth Man awards. These milestones affirmed Brogdon’s rare versatility and consistency at the NBA level.
Brogdon also played for the Portland Trail Blazers and Washington Wizards. He spent his final season in 2023–24. Over his nine-year NBA career, he averaged 15.3 points, 4.7 assists, and 4.1 rebounds. He shot 46% from the field and 88% from the free-throw line.
However, injuries often limited his availability. Persistent hamstring and foot issues sidelined him across multiple seasons. “People don’t understand what your body must feel like to play at this level for years and years,” Brogdon told The Post earlier this month. “They don’t understand the wear and tear of this game.”
Legacy beyond the court
Beyond statistics, Brogdon’s legacy includes humanitarian and educational work. Through his Brogdon Family Foundation and Hoops2O initiative, he has helped fund clean water projects in Africa. He also supported youth education programs in underserved communities. His efforts earned him the NBA’s J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award in 2021.
With his playing career behind him, many now speculate about Brogdon’s next chapter—possibly in leadership or front-office work. Some close to the Virginia program have floated the idea that he might join the Cavaliers in a managerial or developmental role.
Whether mentoring young athletes or pursuing philanthropy, Brogdon’s presence will remain. “Basketball gave me more than I could imagine,” he said in his farewell statement. “Now, it’s time to use what I’ve learned to give back in new ways.”
Fans and teammates celebrate Brogdon’s career, defined by excellence, character, and determination—qualities that earned him the nickname “The President.”
