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Knicks guard Malcolm Brogdon stunned the NBA world on Wednesday as he decided to retire just a week before the start of the new season.
Brogdon, 32, was the 2017 Rookie of the Year and 2023 Sixth Man of the Year, and was expected to have a spot in New York's rotation this year.
But just seven days before the Knicks' season opener against the Cavaliers, Brogdon has decided to call time on his career, as ESPN's Shams Charania first reported.
The former University of Virginia star averaged 15.3 points and 4.7 assists per night during a productive NBA career.
And his decision will come as a blow to the Knicks, who have championship aspirations after making the Eastern Conference Finals last year.
'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,' he said in a statement.
Malcolm Brogdon, seen playing for the Knicks during the preseason, has decided to retire
Brogdon was part of the Celtics' squad that made it to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2023
'With the many sacrifices it took to get here, I have received many rewards. I am deeply grateful to have arrived at 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.'
Charania added on 'NBA Today' that Brogdon had been contemplating the decision for several weeks.
After spending last year with the Wizards, Brogdon signed a one-year deal with the Knicks this offseason and was expected to provide backcourt depth behind Jalen Brunson.
Brogdon had played in the preseason during the Knicks' matchups against the Sixers, Timberwolves and Wizards.
He was drafted No. 26 overall by the Bucks in 2016, and spent three seasons in Milwaukee before joining the Pacers in a sign-and-trade.
Brogdon averaged a career-high 21.2 points with the Pacers in 2020-21, and was later part of the Celtics team which made an Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 2023.
He was with the Blazers and then the Wizards during his final two seasons.
