How a second-round draft pick rewrote the NBA record books
In short: In 2016, Malcolm Brogdon entered the NBA as the 36th overall pick. While most expected a quiet career, he achieved historic milestones, including becoming one of only eight players to ever shoot 50-40-90, proving that elite efficiency often outweighs draft position.
Malcolm Brogdon's ascent from the second round of the 2016 NBA draft to professional stardom is a study in precision. Selected by the Milwaukee Bucks, Brogdon achieved something rarely seen in the league: he secured the NBA Rookie of the Year award, a feat not accomplished by a second-round selection since 1965. His impact was defined by an extraordinary level of efficiency, most notably during the 2018–19 season when he became just the eighth player in history to record a 50–4/0–90 season. During that campaign, he also led the league in free throw percentage, shooting a remarkable .928.
His path was not without significant physical hurdles. Throughout his nine-season career, Brogdon battled various injuries, including a partially torn left quadriceps tendon in 2018 and a plantar fascia tear in 2019. Despite these setbacks, his versatility allowed him to transition from a primary scoring option for the Indiana Pacers to an elite specialist. In 2022, he moved to the Boston Celtics, where he embraced a bench role that earned him the 2023 NBA Sixth Man of the Year award.
Beyond the court, Brogdon's identity is shaped by his academic and philanthropic pursuits. Known as "The President" due to his professional manner and his Master of Public Policy from the University of Virginia, he has used his platform for global impact. Through the Hoops2O initiative, he helped fund the construction of wells in Tanzania and Kenya, providing clean water to over 52,000 people. After a career spanning teams like the Bucks, Pacers, and Celtics, Brogdon announced his retirement from professional basketball in October 2025.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Malcolm Brogdon
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