He scored twice to the top, but missed the championship twice. Who is so pitiful to me in the entire NBA?

Life is like a chess. I always believe that wisdom can take you further than talent. This is my story, a story about patience, persistence and unfulfilled dreams.

I always remember the phone call on the 2016 draft night. When Adam Xiaohua read the 36th ranking, I knew my life was about to change.

"Malcolm Brogdon, the Milwaukee Bucks selected you. "

At that moment, I was not as ecstatic as other rookies, but just accepted the result calmly. After all, as a 24-year-old "older rookie" who has obtained a master's degree in public policy, I have long learned to look at basketball and life from a different perspective.

I grew up in a family that focuses on education and character. My parents are educators. The first thing they taught me was: wisdom is always better than brute force. This became the cornerstone of my basketball philosophy.

In the five years at the University of Virginia, I not only honed my skills, brought the team to the quarterfinals, and became the first player in the history of the division to win both the best player and the best defensive player, but I also completed my master's degree. When someone asked me why I was spending time studying outside of basketball, my answer was consistent: "Basketball will end, but wisdom will last forever."

In retrospect, it is this way of thinking that keeps me balanced throughout the ups and downs of the NBA. The

Bucks gave me a chance, and I rewarded them with the Best Rookie Trophy, becoming the first second round pick to win this honor in 51 years. I proved that value does not depend on the pick, but on preparation and execution.

Alongside Antetokounmpo, I learned how to coexist with superstars, I defended myself, shot empty shots, and organized offenses when needed. We gradually became a strong Eastern Conference team, and everyone believed that the championship was right in front of me.

Then, although I used the efficiency of "180 Club" to score a record of 15+4+3 per game, I ended up becoming a victim due to the first round of the playoffs, and I was easily transferred to the Indiana Pacers by the team.

At the Pacers, I changed from a role player to a core guard, averaging 21.2 points and 5.9 assists per game, and I proved that I could take more responsibilities.

But what makes me most proud is not data, but leadership. I lead a young team, share my experience and help young people grow, and this reminds me of my mentors, those who once selflessly coached me.

However, when I watched the Bucks lift the championship trophy in 2021, there was a hint of bitterness in my heart. It might be the ring on my finger.

Just as I rekindled my desire to win the championship, the Celtics arrived at me through the trade, which made me extremely excited. I told them that I could accept substitutes, and as long as I could win, I could do anything. In fact, I did. I became the best substitute that season and won the Best Sixth Man Award, but what I longed for was to lift the O'Brien Cup over my head.

The 2023 Eastern Conference Finals Loss was one of the most painful moments in my career. What is even more heartbreaking is that after the team traded me the next year, they won the championship.

By passing by the champion twice, this kind of pain is hard to describe, but I never let disappointment define myself.

Nowadays, I am still thinking about which team to continue my career. Many people think my career is past its peak, but I believe the best is yet to come.

The Warriors are indeed a good place to go. Beside Curry, Green and Butler, I saw the opportunity to compete for the championship again. I could bring experience, perimeter defense and organizational skills - the puzzles the champion team needed, but they told me that I had to solve the problem of Kumingga before I could determine my contract.

My life is like a chess game. Sometimes you have to sacrifice some chess pieces to win the final victory. I may not be that young rookie anymore, but time has given me something more valuable: wisdom, patience and a deeper understanding of the game.

The dream of a championship is still burning in my heart, the chessboard has been laid out, and I am ready to take the next step.