Breaking Draft Limits
Hey Lykkers! Have you ever followed an underdog who proved everyone wrong? That’s exactly what happened with Malcolm Brogdon. He wasn’t picked in the NBA draft's top spots, yet he carved out a legendary path that amazed the basketball world.
Let’s explore how we got to witness the incredible transformation of a player who began as a quiet pick but ended up making serious noise in the league.

We Saw His Humble Beginning

Malcolm Brogdon was born on December 11, 1992, in Atlanta, Georgia. He studied and played basketball at Greater Atlanta School before joining the University of Virginia in 2011. It was here that his skills began to blossom. While many top players leave college early, Brogdon stayed through 2016, earning both experience and accolades.

We Followed His College Breakthrough

In his final season (2015–16), Brogdon became one of the best players in the country. He averaged 18.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game with a shooting percentage of 45.7%. He was on the court for an average of 34.1 minutes per game. With his leadership, Virginia reached the NCAA Elite Eight, and Brogdon collected major awards: ACC Player of the Year, ACC Defensive Player of the Year, and selection to the All-America First Team. It was clear that we were watching a complete player—strong in both offense and defense.

We Witnessed His National Glory

In July 2015, Brogdon represented the United States at the Pan American Games in Toronto. Competing against tough teams, he helped Team USA win the bronze medal. This experience put him on a larger stage, proving he could hold his own internationally.

We Celebrated His Jersey Retirement

Just a year after leaving college, in February 2017, the University of Virginia retired Brogdon’s No. 15 jersey. That’s no small feat. It showed just how deeply he impacted the team and the university. For a player to have his number retired speaks volumes about his leadership, performance, and character.

We Watched a Historic NBA Debut

Brogdon entered the 2016 NBA Draft and was chosen 36th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks—a second-round pick that most didn’t expect much from. But he flipped the script. In his rookie season, he shocked everyone by earning the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 2017. He became the first second-round pick in NBA history to win that award. That moment proved that heart and hard work could overcome draft status.

We Saw Him Shine Across Teams

From 2016 to now, Brogdon has played for several teams including the Milwaukee Bucks, Indiana Pacers, Boston Celtics, Portland Trail Blazers, and now the Washington Wizards. No matter the team, his performance stayed strong. In 2019, he joined the elite “50-40-90 Club,” showing off outstanding shooting efficiency. And in 2023, he was named the NBA Sixth Man of the Year, recognizing his critical role off the bench for the Celtics.

We Admire His All-Around Game

Brogdon isn’t just a scorer. He’s a team player who reads the court well, defends strongly, and keeps calm under pressure. Whether starting or coming off the bench, he’s consistent, reliable, and always ready to help his team win. This makes him a fan favorite and a respected figure in the league.

We Are Inspired by His Journey

Malcolm Brogdon’s story is not just about basketball—it’s about staying true to your path, proving yourself through action, and not letting expectations define you. From college hero to NBA star, from second-round pick to Rookie of the Year, he’s someone we can all learn from.

Let’s Keep Watching Him Grow!

Lykkers, what do you think about Brogdon’s journey? Have you ever been underestimated and still come out on top? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Let’s keep supporting players like Brogdon who show that perseverance, humility, and hard work still matter in this world. Stay tuned—because his story isn’t over yet, and we’ll be right here to witness every step with you.