The New York Knicks are “stunned” veteran guard Malcolm Brogdon retired from the NBA, a league source told DallasHoopsJournal.
Brogdon was slated to make the Knicks’ roster. He released the following statement to Shams Charania of 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 played for the Milwaukee Bucks, Indiana Pacers, Boston Celtics, Portland Trail Blazers and Washington Wizards. He won the 2016-17 Rookie of the Year Award with the Bucks and the 2022-23 Sixth Man of the Year Award with the Celtics.
A Virginia product, Brogdon averaged 15.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.2 blocks in the NBA. He was the 36th overall pick in the 2016 draft.
The Knicks made the conference finals last season for the first time since 2000. They lost to the Pacers in six games. Mike Brown replaced Tom Thibodeau as head coach this offseason.
New York opens the regular season on October 22 at home against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Latest NBA News & Rumors
- NBA Rumors: Bruce Brown Returned To Denver Nuggets Despite Receiving Interest From Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns
- NBA Rumors: Utah Jazz Have Never Gotten Near The Finish Line On A Lauri Markkanen Trade
- NBA News: Los Angeles Lakers’ Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves ‘Love Playing’ With LeBron James, Have Not Inquired With Him About When He Plans To Retire
- NBA News: Russell Westbrook Signs With Sacramento Kings
You can tell the ones who truly love the game; they never retire early. I never earned a penny playing ball, well, a few bets here and there, but I played hard no matter whether it was pickup games, rec leagues, industrial leagues, Hoop-It-Up tourneys, whatever, played hard and played until I simply couldn’t play.
I made it until my mid-40s, but all the asphalt and concrete took its toll. I see these NBA players who have every advantage, play on the best courts, have the best doctors and as soon as some of them can, they retire.
Now, a 9-5 job, hell yeah, retire early as possible, but playing ball??
Nah, man, I would give anything to be able to go out with the fellas and play hoop just one more time on a day with the courts full, cars bumpin tunes and the ladies watching on the side! Ah man, how could you quit?