2025-11-13 17:01

I still remember watching the 2017 NBA season unfold with such excitement, particularly following the rookie class that year. The question of who won the 2017 NBA Rookie of the Year award brings back vivid memories of watching these young talents develop. That season felt special because the race wasn't just about statistics—it was about impact, growth, and those unforgettable moments that define a player's early career. The eventual winner, Malcolm Brogdon, represented something different from your typical high draft pick success story, and his journey to the award says a lot about what it takes to excel at the highest level.

When people ask me about standout rookie performances, I always think about how consistency separates good players from great ones. Brogdon, selected 36th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks, became the first second-round pick since 1965 to win the Rookie of the Year award. What impressed me most wasn't just his numbers—10.2 points, 4.2 assists, and 2.8 rebounds per game—but how he contributed to winning basketball. He started 28 games for a playoff team, shooting 45.7% from the field and an impressive 40.4% from three-point range. Those percentages might not jump off the page to casual fans, but for someone who watches basketball analytically, they demonstrate incredible efficiency for a rookie.

The way Brogdon achieved this honor reminds me of the mental toughness I've seen in other sports. Just last week, I was reading about Johanna Uyking's performance in the USwing Mojing Junior World Qualifying at The Country Club, where she delivered a stunning eagle on the challenging No. 18 to cap a roller-coaster round. That kind of clutch performance under pressure—grabbing the lead when it matters most—is exactly what separated Brogdon from other rookies. He had this remarkable ability to elevate his game during crucial moments, much like Uyking did on that difficult final hole. Both demonstrate that composure matters as much as raw talent.

What many casual observers don't realize is that Brogdon's path was anything but conventional. At 24 years old during his rookie season, he was significantly older than most first-year players, having completed his college eligibility at Virginia. This maturity showed in his decision-making and defensive positioning. I've always believed that basketball IQ can trump athleticism in many situations, and Brogdon proved this repeatedly throughout that season. His defensive rating of 108 might not sound spectacular, but when you consider he often guarded opposing teams' best perimeter players, it becomes much more impressive.

The 2017 rookie class was actually quite deep with talent. Joel Embiid might have won if he'd played more than 31 games—his per-game numbers were phenomenal at 20.2 points and 7.8 rebounds. Dario Šarić put up solid numbers for Philadelphia too, and I'll admit I was personally rooting for him early in the season. But what ultimately gave Brogdon the edge was his two-way impact and the Bucks' success with him in the lineup. Milwaukee went 42-40 that season, making the playoffs as the sixth seed in the East, and Brogdon's steady hand was a significant factor in their success.

I find it fascinating how different players rise to occasions differently. Thinking back to Johanna Uyking's eagle finish after what was described as a "roller-coaster round"—that's the mark of a true competitor. Brogdon had several of those moments himself, like his career-high 22 points against Chicago in March or his 15-point, 11-assist double-double against Detroit in February. But what I remember most was his composure during close games—he never seemed rushed or overwhelmed, which is rare for rookies.

The voting results reflected how the basketball community viewed Brogdon's accomplishments. He received 64 first-place votes out of a possible 100, with Embiid getting 23 despite his limited games. Šarić finished third with 13 first-place votes. Some analysts argued that Embiid's impact per minute was greater, but I've always believed availability is its own skill. Brogdon played 75 games that season, providing consistent value night after night.

Looking back, Brogdon's Rookie of the Year season set the foundation for what has become a solid NBA career. He's developed into a reliable scoring option and won the Sixth Man of the Year award in 2023. What I take from his story is that development isn't always linear—sometimes the players who work their way up through less glamorous paths develop the resilience needed for long-term success. His achievement reminds me that in sports, whether it's basketball or golf like Johanna Uyking's qualifying performance, mental toughness and consistency often triumph over flashy but inconsistent displays.

The legacy of the 2017 NBA Rookie of the Year award extends beyond just that season. It demonstrated that second-round picks could achieve the highest rookie honor, changing how some teams approach the draft. Personally, I think Brogdon's win made organizations more willing to give older, more polished college players serious opportunities rather than always betting on raw potential. His achievement wasn't just personal—it shifted perceptions about what types of players can succeed immediately in the NBA.

Reflecting on that 2017 season and Brogdon's accomplishment, I'm reminded why I love following sports narratives beyond just the superstars. There's something compelling about players who exceed expectations through intelligence and determination rather than pure physical gifts. Brogdon's Rookie of the Year season stands as a testament to what can be achieved through preparation, basketball intelligence, and seizing opportunities when they arise—lessons that apply well beyond the basketball court.