The story of Jalen Brunson has been nothing short of remarkable. When the New York Knicks first brought him in on a four-year, $104 million deal, they were widely mocked for overpaying a 6-foot-2 point guard.
However, during his tenure with the team, he’s proven all the naysayers wrong. But for a former 33rd overall pick, it has been the story of his career to rise against the doubt. Now, two wins away from bringing his team their first championship in over half a century, the second-generation star understands his worth.
Jalen Brunson’s Miraculous Journey to the NBA Finals
As a second-round pick for the Dallas Mavericks, it wasn’t until the playoffs in 2022 that Brunson made an impact, keeping the team afloat while Luka Dončić was injured.
On the back of that run, the Knicks gave him a huge contract, and he’s paid it back in full. Making them a playoff threat every year, he’s improved his play and taken the team one step further almost every season.
Against the San Antonio Spurs in the Finals, he’s nailed the dagger in the first two games. Now, as his confidence continues to grow and the Knicks are on the cusp of history, he was asked about his draft history.
“When a guy like you falls into the second round of the draft, a lot of people miss something about you. When you think back on your draft process, what do you think it was that was underestimated, that was not seen at the time?”
With a slight smirk and chuckle, the three-time All-Star and reigning Eastern Conference Finals MVP answered, “Everything.”
After he averaged 24 points in his first year in New York, that number has gone as high as 28.7, as he’s averaged at least 26 points per game in each of the last three years. That has allowed him to become the focal point of the offense on the roster.
However, the depth of the roster has continued to grow, with a head coaching change allowing them to reach their full potential. As a result, the team is in the midst of the most historic month of playoff basketball.
Holding the largest margin of victory through a playoff run, they are only the second team in NBA history to win 13 straight playoff games. Their dominance has taken away one of Brunson’s best traits, though it has shown up in spurts.
A former Clutch Player of the Year award winner, he has been an automatic bucket at the end of games. During the Conference Finals, he led an 18-1 run against the Cleveland Cavaliers to force OT in Game 1.
As they stand two wins away from history, it is hard to argue against his assessment.
