The NBA loses a legend: Malcolm Brogdon retires, leaving a lasting legacy.
In a surprising turn of events, Malcolm Brogdon, the former star of the Virginia Cavaliers, has decided to retire from the NBA, leaving behind an impressive career that spanned nine seasons. But wait, didn't he just sign with the New York Knicks? Indeed, Brogdon's decision comes as a shock to many, especially after he signed a one-year deal with the Knicks on September 12th, seemingly ready to contribute as a reliable backup guard.
Brogdon's journey to the NBA began in 2016, when he slipped to the second round of the draft, only to be scooped up by the Milwaukee Bucks with the 36th pick. And what a steal it turned out to be! He quickly silenced any doubters with a stellar rookie season, claiming the Rookie of the Year award in 2017. But here's where it gets controversial: Brogdon's rookie campaign included memorable poster dunks over none other than Kyrie Irving and LeBron James.
His NBA career took him to multiple teams, each benefiting from his consistent scoring prowess. After three seasons with the Bucks, Brogdon moved to the Indiana Pacers in 2019, where he continued to shine. In 2022, he was traded to the Boston Celtics, playing a pivotal role in their conference finals run and earning the Sixth-Man of the Year award. The following season, he suited up for the Portland Trail Blazers, maintaining his scoring average, before reuniting with former UVA teammate Anthony Gill on the Washington Wizards for his final season.
Brogdon's impact at UVA was nothing short of extraordinary. As a dominant force on the court, he amassed 1,809 points, ranking ninth in all-time scoring for the Cavaliers. His senior year was particularly remarkable, earning him unanimous consensus first-team All-American honors, ACC Player of the Year, and ACC Defensive Player of the Year for the second consecutive season. And this is the part most people miss: Brogdon's influence extended beyond the court, as he played a key role in elevating the UVA program to national prominence under coach Tony Bennett.
His career is filled with countless memorable moments, from clutch buzzer-beaters to poster dunks and standout performances in the NCAA tournament. The No. 15 jersey now hangs in the rafters, a testament to his impact on the program. While his playing days may be over, the idea of Brogdon returning to UVA as a general manager in the future is an intriguing prospect. For now, we celebrate a remarkable career and the lasting impact Malcolm Brogdon has had on the game.
