THIS STORY isn’t about Malcolm Brogdon the NBA player, though it very well could be. In his first season with the Indiana Pacers, the versatile guard is averaging career-highs in points (16.3), assists (7.1) and rebounds (4.7) per game.
This story, however, is about a different side of Malcolm Brogdon, one that’s the product of his family, upbringing, education and exposure to various walks of life. It’s the side of him that reflects his true calling.
The humanitarian side.
“I view basketball as a tool to get in touch with those that are less fortunate than I am and to have an impact on their lives,” he tells SLAM. “God gives you an opportunity to give other [people] opportunities, and that’s what basketball has done for me. It’s been amazing. I love it. But basketball is not my passion. Basketball is something I do, something I love, something I’ve grown up doing. I think it brings joy to other people to watch me and others play it. But at the end of the day, basketball brings you so much more. It allows you to see different parts of the world. It allows you a certain level of financial security. It allows you to meet people that otherwise you would never meet. And it’s really up to you with that platform and those connections to choose to do good and impact others.
“And that’s what I’ve chosen to do.”
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Esta historia es de la edición May - June 2020 de Slam.
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The SUMMER THAT WASN'T
Playground entry fences chain locked. Rims removed. Leagues canceled. Summer basketball just stopped in 2020. And as its effects extended beyond the blacktop, we were reminded why it's so important.
METAMORPHOSIS
The sport of basketball speaks to so many people in so many ways. Dan Peterson, the founder of Project Backboard, has teamed up with artists to use the beauty of the sport to turn local courts into works of art that are accessible to all.
WHERE THERE'S SMOKE, THERE'S Fire
For former No. 1 pick Deandre Ayton, the last three years have had their ups and downs. Now that he and the Phoenix Suns are back on the way up, DA wants everyone to know that's where they're planning to stay.
Now What?
As North Carolina rapper J. Cole transitioned from up-and-comer to full-blown vet, he came to a realization: staying sharp and fighting off complacency ain't easy. Inspired by his love for basketball and his desire to remain on top of the game, the 36-year-old has been treating music like a competitive sport while he readies his next project: The Off-Season.
ONE STEP AT A Time
NBA and G League vet Jeremy Lin and Loyola Marymount's Anthony Yu speak candidly about the ups and downs of being Asian American in the basketball world.
THE GARDEN Blooms
The Knicks are back. Deadass, they're back. A return to the tough, gritty, resilient style that made the teams of the past so dominant has allowed Saba Julius Randle and RJ Barrett and the Knicks an opportunity to compete for homecourt advantage in the 2021 playoffs. Facts.
CITIZEN OF THE World
Congolese native Yannick Nzosa played for professional teams in Italy and Spain before he turned 17. Now that his name is moving up the 2022 pre-draft boards, the former soccer player has one thing front and center in his mind—succeeding for his family back home.
STRONG Island
Mental fortitude and physical toughness are what's helped Long Island's Arella Guirantes make it all the way to the W.
KICK IN THE Door
The WNBA, now in its 25th season, is the longest-running women's sports league ever. SLAM sat down with four of the most influential players of all time Diana Taurasi, Nneka Ogwumike, Skylar Diggins-Smith and Sue Bird to discuss their part in making the League the force it is today.
Can't YOU SEE
It ain't hard to tell that supernatural vision has established Nuggets star Nikola Jokic as a clear candidate for the 2021 MVP Award.
