New York Knicks guard and former Portland Trail Blazer Malcolm Brogdon has retired from the NBA after nine seasons, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported.
Brogdon, 32, had signed a one-year deal with the Knicks
last month and was expected to make the final roster, according to Charania. Instead, he informed New York of his decision to retire on Wednesday, making this statement to ESPN:
“Today, I officially begin my transition out of my basketball career. I have proudly given my mind, body and spirit to the game over the last few decades. With the many sacrifices it took to get here, I have received many rewards. I am deeply grateful to have arrived to this point on my own terms and now to be able to reap the benefits of my career with my family and friends. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to all who have had a place in my journey.”
Brogdon was the No. 36 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. His career highlights include winning the 2017 NBA Rookie of the Year with the Milwaukee Bucks and the 2023 Sixth Man of the Year Award as a member of the Boston Celtics.
People around these parts will most remember Brogdon for his year of service with the Blazers during the mostly forgettable 2023-24 season. After the Blazers traded superstar Damian Lillard to the Bucks for Jrue Holiday and other pieces in summer 2023, Portland then promptly moved Holiday to the Celtics for a package that included Brogdon.
In 39 appearances that season, including 25 starts, Brogdon averaged 15.7 points, 5.5 assists and 3.8 rebounds while shooting 41.2% on 3s. Beyond the solid production, Brogdon was commended for his veteran leadership and professionalism on a young Portland team that finished 21-61 during the first year of a rebuild.
The following offseason, the Blazers traded Brogdon to the Washington Wizards as part of the package that brought back forward Deni Avdija. He averaged 12.7 points and 4.1 assists in Washington last season, though he only appeared in 24 games as he dealt with injuries.
