Malcolm Brogdon: Complete Biography, NBA Career & Retirement Journey
Introduction
Malcolm Brogdon’s basketball journey represents one of the most remarkable stories in modern NBA history. From being a second-round draft pick to winning NBA Rookie of the Year, and later becoming Sixth Man of the Year, Brogdon’s career exemplifies perseverance, intelligence, and excellence. This comprehensive biography explores the life and legacy of a player who redefined what it means to be a professional athlete. Like other rising basketball stars such as Derrick Groves, Brogdon’s story inspires the next generation of players.
📋 Table of Contents
- Early Life and Family Background
- High School Career
- College Career at University of Virginia
- NBA Draft and Milwaukee Bucks (2016-2019)
- Indiana Pacers Era (2019-2022)
- Boston Celtics and Sixth Man Success (2022-2023)
- Final NBA Stops: Portland and Washington
- Retirement Announcement (October 2025)
- Career Statistics and Achievements
- Off-Court Impact and Philanthropy
- Playing Style and Basketball IQ
- Legacy and Impact
- Frequently Asked Questions
Early Life and Family Background
Birth and Childhood
Malcolm Moses Adams Brogdon was born on December 11, 1992, in Atlanta, Georgia. Growing up in a highly educated family, Brogdon was destined for greatness both on and off the court. His upbringing emphasized the importance of education, social justice, and giving back to the community.
Family Heritage
Brogdon’s father, Mitchell Gino Brogdon Sr., is a lawyer and mediator best known as the host of the syndicated court show Personal Injury Court. Dr. Jann Adams, Brogdon’s mother, is the former chair of Morehouse College’s Psychology Department and is now the associate dean of science and math.
Brogdon’s parents chose to move the family from a middle-class neighborhood to an inner-city one in order to help them understand the difficulties posed by racism in American society. This decision profoundly shaped his worldview and commitment to social justice.
Both of Brogdon’s brothers, Gino Jr and John are practicing attorneys, continuing the family’s tradition of academic excellence and professional achievement.
High School Career
Brogdon attended Greater Atlanta Christian in Norcross, Georgia, where he first showcased his basketball talents. In three years of varsity high school basketball at Greater Atlanta Christian High School, Brogdon averaged 20.8 points per game, peaking with 25.7 points per game in his senior season.
College Career at University of Virginia
Freshman and Sophomore Years
Malcolm Brogdon spent five years (2011-16) at the University of Virginia, playing in a combined total of 136 games for the Cavaliers. As a freshman, Brogdon got the opportunity to play meaningful minutes for a UVA team that boasted lots of depth, playing in 28 games, started once, and averaged 6.7 points and almost 3 rebounds per contest.
After missing the 2012-13 season while recovering from surgery to repair a broken foot, Brogdon returned with a vengeance in 2013-14 and averaged 12.7 points and 5.4 rebounds per game, nearly doubling his averages from his previous season.
Junior Year Breakthrough
In 2014-15, he averaged a career-high 14 points per game and started all 34 contests he played in. He was named to the Associated Press, U.S. Basketball Writers Association, National Basketball Coaches Association and USA Today All-American Second Team.
Historic Senior Season
As a senior in 2015–16, Brogdon was a consensus first-team All-American and was also named the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year, becoming the first player in conference history to earn both honors in the same season.
Brogdon is the first Cavalier to be named ACC Player of the Year since the legendary Ralph Sampson won the award three consecutive seasons from 1981 to ’83. That season, Brogdon was named to the All-American First Team by a number of news outlets, including the Associated Press, the National Association of Basketball Coaches, and the U.S. Basketball Writers Association.
Academic Excellence
Brogdon graduated from Virginia with a B.A. degree in history in 2015 and an M.P.P. degree in 2016. He is nicknamed “The President”, due to his professional demeanor and master’s degree in public policy from the Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy at the University of Virginia.
His college jersey number, 15, was retired on February 20, 2017, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players in Virginia basketball history.
NBA Draft and Milwaukee Bucks (2016-2019)
Draft Day Surprise
On June 23, 2016, Brogdon was selected by the Milwaukee Bucks with the 36th overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft. Despite being a second-round selection, Brogdon was determined to prove his worth.
Historic Rookie Season (2016-2017)
Brogdon made his NBA debut in the Bucks’ season opener on October 26, recording eight points and five assists in 21 minutes. Throughout the season, he exceeded all expectations.
To conclude his rookie season, Brogdon was named the 2016–17 NBA Rookie of the Year, along with being a unanimous selection to the NBA All-Rookie First Team. Brogdon became the first player drafted in the second round to win Rookie of the Year since 1965.
He recorded the only triple-double by a rookie in Bucks franchise history with 15 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists at Chicago on December 31, 2016.
Continued Development (2017-2019)
On January 22, 2018, he scored a career-high 32 points in a 109–105 victory over the Phoenix Suns. His game continued to evolve, and by the 2018-2019 season, he achieved something truly special.
Brogdon became just the eighth NBA player ever to achieve a 50–40–90 season and led the league in free throw percentage (.928). This elite shooting club includes only the most efficient scorers in NBA history.
Indiana Pacers Era (2019-2022)
On July 6, 2019, Brogdon signed with the Indiana Pacers via a sign-and-trade with the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for future picks. In Indiana, he took on a larger leadership role.
In 2020-21, Brogdon averaged career-highs in points (21.2), rebounds (5.3) and made three-pointers (2.6) per contest. This season represented the peak of his scoring prowess.
In 2020, Brogdon received the NBA’s J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award in recognition of his actions off the court, demonstrating his impact extended far beyond basketball.
Boston Celtics and Sixth Man Success (2022-2023)
After three injury-riddled seasons in Indiana, the Pacers dealt Brogdon to Boston Celtics. Many questioned whether he could still perform at a high level.
Brogdon was the NBA Sixth Man of the Year with the Boston Celtics for the 2022-23 season. He is one of two players to have won both Rookie of the Year and Sixth Man of the Year awards, along with Mike Miller.
Coming off the bench, Brogdon provided crucial scoring, playmaking, and veteran leadership for a Celtics team with championship aspirations.
Final NBA Stops: Portland and Washington (2023-2024)
On October 1, 2023, Brogdon was traded to Portland from Boston with Robert Williams III, a 2024 first-round pick and a 2029 first-round pick for Jrue Holiday.
On July 6, 2024, Brogdon, along with the 14th pick in the 2024 NBA draft (Bub Carrington), a 2029 first-round pick swap, and two second-round picks, were traded to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Deni Avdija.
Brogdon played in 24 regular-season games with Washington during the 2024-25 campaign, averaging 12.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game.
Retirement Announcement (October 2025)
On October 15, 2025, New York Knicks guard Malcolm Brogdon decided to retire from basketball after nine NBA seasons. Brogdon was on track to make the Knicks’ final roster, but he had been contemplating retirement and informed Knicks officials on Wednesday of his decision.
“Today, I officially begin my transition out of my basketball career,” Brogdon, 32, told ESPN in a statement. “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”.
Career Statistics and Achievements
NBA Career Numbers
Malcolm Brogdon played 9 seasons for 5 teams, including the Pacers and Bucks, averaging 15.3 points, 4.7 assists and 4.1 rebounds in 463 regular-season games.
Brogdon shot a combined 43% from 3-point range during the 2022-24 seasons, which ranked fourth in the league.
Major Awards and Honors
NBA Achievements:
- NBA Rookie of the Year (2017) with the Milwaukee Bucks
- NBA Sixth Man of the Year (2023) with the Boston Celtics
- NBA All-Rookie First Team (2017)
- Member of the exclusive 50-40-90 club (2019)
- NBA J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award (2020)
College Achievements:
- Consensus first-team All-American (2016)
- ACC Player of the Year and ACC Defensive Player of the Year (2016) – first player to win both in same season
- Three-time All-ACC First Team (2014-2016)
- Jersey number 15 retired by University of Virginia (2017)
Off-Court Impact and Philanthropy
Social Justice and Community Work
In 2018, Brogdon partnered with The Chris Long Foundation on their Hoops2O initiative, a program aimed at addressing the clean-water crisis, particularly in Africa. As of May 2019, $274,200 had been raised for the cause.
In July 2020, Brogdon launched the Brogdon Family Foundation, which supports Hoops4Humanity and the JHA Education Project. Hoops4Humanity funds school-based clean water projects and other efforts in Africa to enhance health, education and opportunity, especially for girls and women.
The JHA Education Project provides literacy, STEM and college preparatory programming for students in underserved communities; it is named for Brogdon’s grandfather, John Hurst Adams, a former civil rights leader, Paul Quinn College president and bishop of the AME Church.
Continuing the Legacy
Future Virginia men’s basketball players will be supported by the Malcolm Brogdon Bicentennial Scholarship as they work to achieve their dreams on the court and in the classroom. This scholarship ensures Brogdon’s impact on future generations will continue long after his playing career.
Playing Style and Basketball IQ
Malcolm Brogdon was known for several key attributes that made him successful:
Offensive Skills: Elite shooting efficiency from all three levels, strong ball-handling and playmaking ability, intelligent decision-making and low turnover rate, and clutch performance in pressure situations.
Defensive Prowess: Excellent on-ball defender, high basketball IQ on both ends, versatility to guard multiple positions, and team-oriented defensive mindset.
Leadership Qualities: Professional demeanor and work ethic, mentor to younger players, strong communication skills, and ability to adapt to different roles.
Legacy and Impact
Malcolm Brogdon’s career transcended basketball statistics. He is one of only two players in NBA history to win both Rookie of the Year and Sixth Man of the Year awards, showcasing his versatility and sustained excellence.
His academic achievements, including earning a master’s degree in public policy while playing professional basketball, set him apart as a true scholar-athlete. His commitment to social justice, clean water initiatives in Africa, and educational opportunities for underserved communities demonstrates the depth of his character.
Brogdon, co-chair of UVA’s Honor the Future campaign, sees the University as a starting point for exponential good. His vision extends far beyond the basketball court.
Conclusion
Malcolm Brogdon’s journey from second-round draft pick to NBA champion of social justice represents everything right about professional sports. He proved that intelligence, hard work, and character matter as much as physical talent. His nine-year NBA career showcased consistent excellence, adaptability, and leadership.
As he begins his next chapter, Brogdon leaves behind a legacy that will inspire future generations of athletes. Whether remembered for his historic rookie season, his elite shooting efficiency, his sixth man excellence, or his humanitarian work, Malcolm Brogdon exemplifies what it means to be a complete professional athlete and human being.
His retirement on his own terms, surrounded by the support of family and friends, represents the perfect conclusion to a remarkable basketball career. The President has left the court, but his impact will resonate for decades to come.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Malcolm Brogdon
Malcolm Brogdon won several prestigious awards during his NBA career. He was named NBA Rookie of the Year in 2017 with the Milwaukee Bucks, becoming the first second-round pick to win this award since 1965. He also won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 2023 with the Boston Celtics. Additionally, he received the NBA J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award in 2020 for his outstanding community service work.
Malcolm Brogdon attended the University of Virginia from 2011 to 2016, spending five years with the Cavaliers. He had an outstanding college career, earning ACC Player of the Year and ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 2016 – becoming the first player in conference history to win both honors in the same season. He graduated with a B.A. in history and a master’s degree in public policy. His jersey number 15 was retired by Virginia in 2017.
Malcolm Brogdon announced his retirement from professional basketball on October 15, 2025, at the age of 32. He retired after nine NBA seasons, having last played for the Washington Wizards during the 2024-25 campaign. Brogdon stated that he was grateful to retire on his own terms and looked forward to spending time with his family and friends.
Over his nine-year NBA career, Malcolm Brogdon averaged 15.3 points, 4.7 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game in 463 regular-season games. He played for five teams including the Milwaukee Bucks, Indiana Pacers, Boston Celtics, Portland Trail Blazers, and Washington Wizards. In 2019, he became just the eighth NBA player ever to achieve a 50-40-90 season, shooting 50% from the field, 40% from three-point range, and 90% from the free-throw line.
Malcolm Brogdon is nicknamed “The President” due to his professional demeanor and impressive academic credentials. He earned a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Virginia’s Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy while playing basketball. His intelligence, leadership qualities, and dignified conduct both on and off the court earned him this respected nickname.
Hoops2O is Malcolm Brogdon’s philanthropic initiative that addresses the clean water crisis in Africa. He partnered with The Chris Long Foundation in 2018 to fund school-based clean water projects. The program has raised over $274,000 and focuses on enhancing health, education, and opportunity, especially for girls and women. In 2020, he expanded his efforts by launching the Brogdon Family Foundation, which supports both Hoops4Humanity and the JHA Education Project.
During his nine-year NBA career, Malcolm Brogdon played for five teams: Milwaukee Bucks (2016-2019), where he won Rookie of the Year; Indiana Pacers (2019-2022), where he achieved career-high scoring averages; Boston Celtics (2022-2023), where he won Sixth Man of the Year; Portland Trail Blazers (2023-2024); and Washington Wizards (2024-2025), his final team before retirement.
Yes! Malcolm Brogdon became just the eighth NBA player ever to achieve 50-40-90 club status during the 2018-2019 season with the Milwaukee Bucks. He shot 50.5% from the field, 42.6% from three-point range, and led the league with 92.8% from the free-throw line. This elite shooting club includes legendary players like Steve Nash, Larry Bird, and Stephen Curry, making Brogdon’s achievement even more impressive.
