This NBA veteran has a Rookie of the Year award on his resume

A NEW York Knicks star has suddenly retired just a week before the start of the 2025-26 NBA season.

The development sent the basketball world into a frenzy on Wednesday.

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New York Knicks star guard Malcolm Brogdon dribbles past Philadelphia 76ers star Kelly Oubre Jr. during a preseason game on October 4Credit: AFP

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Brogdon made the stunning decision to retire from the NBA after nine seasons in the leagueCredit: AP
The Knicks will host the rival Cleveland Cavaliers in the regular-season opener on Wednesday.

However, new Knickerbocker head coach Mike Brown will be without a player who was expected to be in the team’s rotation.

Guard Malcolm Brogdan decided to retire just a week before the upcoming season, per ESPN.

Brogan was the 2017 Rookie of the Year and 2023 Sixth Man of the Year.

The 32-year-old averaged 15.3 points and 4.7 assists per game during his nine-year career.

The stunning decision comes as the Knicks look to win a championship following their appearance in the Eastern Conference finals last season.

Brogdan shared a statement regarding his shocking move.

“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.

“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.

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“Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to all who have had a place in my journey.”

ESPN’s Shams Charania appeared on NBA Today and stated that Brogdon was considering the decision for several weeks.

Brogdan had signed a one-year deal with the Knicks in the past offseason after playing with the Washington Wizards last year.

He appeared in preseason games and was set to be a backcourt contributor behind star Jalen Brunson.

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Brogdon played for five teams, including the Indiana Pacers, where he enjoyed a career season in 2020Credit: Getty
Brogdan was a first-round pick by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2016 and played there for three seasons before joining the Indiana Pacers.

He enjoyed a career season with the Pacers in 2020-21, averaging 21.2 points per contest.

And Brogdon was part of the Boston Celtics‘ 2022-23 team, which made it to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Over the course of his nearly-decade career, he earned $132.5 million.