Former Milwaukee Bucks point guard Malcolm Brogdon, who earned Rookie of the Year honors during his time with the team, announced his retirement from the NBA just one week before the start of the new season.
“Today, I officially begin my transition out of my basketball career,” said Brogdon, 32, who played for the Bucks from 2016-19. “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 said in his statement to ESPN.
Malcolm Brogdon was set to make the Knicks' regular season roster, but had been contemplating retirement and informed Knicks officials on Wednesday of his decision. Full statement from Brogdon on his sudden retirement: https://t.co/Z8IdTGBznj pic.twitter.com/WX2Gfc7bHv
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 15, 2025
The Bucks celebrated Brogdon’s career on social media, writing on X (formerly Twitter). “Congratulations to 2017 NBA Rookie of the Year Malcolm Brogdon on an excellent career and best of luck in retirement!”
They even posted some Malcolm Brogdon posters in their social media.
We'll always remember these poster dunks from 12/20/16. https://t.co/A5k4EP0PtU pic.twitter.com/UvBnJdbr0a
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) October 15, 2025
Malcolm Brogdon with the Bucks
Nov 22, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Malcolm Brogdon (13) against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Bucks picked Brogdon 36th overall in the 2016 NBA Draft after his standout season at Virginia. As a rookie, he played in 75 games and posted averages of 10.2 points, 4.2 assists, and 1.1 steals in 27.3 minutes per game. Brogdon shot an impressive 45.7 percent from the floor and 40.4 percent from long range.
Brogdon made history by becoming the first second-round selection ever to win the NBA Rookie of the Year award. He also joined an exclusive group in franchise history, becoming only the second Milwaukee player to earn the honor, following the legendary Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Jun 26, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Milwaukee Bucks player Malcolm Brogdon poses for photos in the press room with his rookie of the year award during the 2017 NBA Awards at Basketball City at Pier 36. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Injuries, however, frequently disrupted his career. During his second season, Brogdon appeared in only 48 games after suffering a partially torn tendon in his left quadriceps.
Brogdon returned strong in his third season with Milwaukee, starting 64 games for a team that topped the NBA with 60 victories and reached the Eastern Conference Finals. That year, he set personal bests by shooting 50.5 percent from the field, hitting 42.6 percent from beyond the arc, and leading the league in free throws at 92.8 percent. His efficiency placed him among the greats, becoming only the eighth player in NBA history to achieve the prestigious 50-40-90 mark.
Oct 13, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Malcolm Brogdon (5) dribbles against Washington Wizards guard Tre Johnson (12)during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Malcolm Brogdon spent three injury-plagued years with the Pacers before joining the Celtics, where he won Sixth Man of the Year after averaging 14.9 points and shooting 44.4 percent from three. He was later traded to Portland and then Washington, where injuries limited him to just 24 games last season.
The 32-year-old joined the New York Knicks last month as training camp began.