“He just takes pride in learning, and [he’s] well-educated. I think anything he does, he’ll be good at.”
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A key cog on a 2022-23 Celtics team that made it to the Eastern Conference Finals announced his retirement on Wednesday.
Malcolm Brogdon, who took home the Sixth Man of the Year Award in his lone year with Boston, ended his pro career after battling several injuries over the last few years.
Despite his brief stint in Boston, the veteran guard made quite the impression on the Celtics — especially on first-year head coach Joe Mazzulla.
Speaking ahead of Boston’s preseason finale against the Raptors, Mazzulla saluted Brogdon for his strong play on the court and his steady presence away from the hardwood.
“Obviously, he was Sixth Man of the Year our first year together,” Mazzulla said. “I appreciated the grace that he showed and the patience that he showed and the openness that he showed coming into a place, working with a first-time coach. He did a lot for us on the court, and he was really good off the court with his family and getting to know them here.
“I look at him as a guy that kind of has an identity and knows who he is and will be able to transition into anything he does because of his work ethic and his mentality. But also he just takes pride in learning, and well-educated. I think anything he does, he’ll be good at.”
Injuries might have limited Brogdon to just nine seasons in the NBA. But, the former standout from the University of Virginia had an eventful pro career.
Along with getting recognized as the top bench player in the league in 2022-23, Brogdon was named NBA Rookie of the Year with the Bucks in 2017 and joined the rare “50-40-90” club during the 2019 campaign with the Pacers.
Brogdon played an essential role on a Celtics team that found itself on the brink of another NBA Finals appearance, averaging 14.9 points in just 26.0 minutes per contest in 2022-23.
Injuries hampered Brogdon during the playoffs, with Boston ultimately unable to overcome an 0-3 series deficit against the Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Boston traded away Brogdon that offseason as part of the deal that brought Jrue Holiday to the Celtics. He played a final two seasons with the Trail Blazers and Wizards before calling it quits.
“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,” Brogdon said in a statement released Wednesday. “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.”
Conor Ryan is a staff writer covering the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox for Boston.com, a role he has held since 2023.