How Jalen Brunson Defied the Critics to Bring a Title to New York

Everybody loves an underdog story, but New York is currently witnessing the ultimate version. Long before Jalen Brunson led the Knicks to an unforgettable championship run, he was just the 33rd pick in the 2018 draft, an overlooked guard doubted by critics. His rise from second-round afterthought to iconic franchise savior echoes the greatest come-ups in sports history, from Kurt Warner stocking grocery shelves to Jimmy Butler's grind from junior college to NBA superstardom. While every underdog credits extra hours in the gym for their success, the real catalyst behind the Knicks' historic title comes down to a relentless, unshakeable mindset.

For 53 years, being a Knicks fan meant enduring endless heartbreak and empty promises. But last night's gritty, defensive battle changed everything, ending the drought and completely restoring the basketball soul of New York City. At the absolute center of it all was Brunson, whose relentless drive has cemented him as a legendary franchise savior.

I sat down with Brunson a few months ago, in partnership with O'Keeffe's, the brand he uses to keep his hands moisturized, giving him the grip and control he needs to drive, dunk, and score, to talk about the mental shift that helped him transform from a high school player and second-round pick into a cornerstone player.

"I would say my mindset truly hasn't changed," he said. "I continue to work hard every single step of the way from high school to college to here, and I don't think my work ethic has really changed. I'm really proud of that. Even if I was in different roles at different stages of my career, my work ethic was always to try to be the best player I could be."

When Jalen Brunson was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks in 2018, he spent his first two seasons coming off the bench, often filling in when injuries struck. But over the next few years, he steadily carved out a bigger role. In the 2021–22 season, Brunson stepped into the starting lineup after early injuries to Luka Dončić and Tim Hardaway Jr.-and never looked back. That breakout campaign set the stage for his move to the New York Knicks, where he signed as a free agent and cemented himself as a full-time starter and franchise cornerstone.

Related: Jalen Brunson and His Dad Just Achieved Something No NBA Family Ever Has

"When the opportunity came about to step into roles that were asked of me, I was ready for it," Brusnon said. "It's all about just staying ready. And I think watching my dad growing up and seeing how hard he worked to be in the position he was, it only pushed me to work harder once I got the opportunity."

For Brunson, being "ready" doesn't just mean showing up on game night-it's about the unseen hours. The days with no fans, no cameras, no lights. That's when the real work gets done, he says, and that's what separates those who stay stagnant from those who rise.

"When you think people aren't watching, people are watching, people are always watching," he says. "And it's really just a testament to how hard you're going to work. Are you going to take the time when no one's watching, when it's the dog days of the season, or when it's the beginning of summer? It's all about what you're going to do to be the best where you can be."

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 14, 2026, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

2026 The Arena Group Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.

This story was originally published June 14, 2026 at 7:39 AM.