Dirk Nowitzki Admits He Doubted Jalen Brunson’s Rise to Knicks Superstar

From Second-Round Pick to Madison Square Garden Headliner

When the Mavericks selected Brunson out of Villanova University with the 33rd overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, expectations were measured. He carved out a steady, reliable role as a rookie backup in Texas, helping steady the second unit alongside Luka Dončić. Yet, according to Nowitzki, very few observers—let alone former locker-room peers—predicted that the savvy left-hander would eventually ascend to All-Star status and spearhead a revival for a historic franchise like the Knicks.

Brunson’s steady climb hit a massive accelerator in the summer of 2022, when he signed a four-year, $104 million contract with New York as an unrestricted free agent. Critics initially questioned whether the deal was an overpay for a sub-all-star guard. Instead, Brunson immediately justified the front office’s gamble, averaging career-high numbers and earning his first career All-Star selection during the 2023–24 campaign while leading the Knicks to the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

The Anatomy of an Unlikely Ascent

Nowitzki’s astonishment highlights a common theme across league circles: elite basketball IQ and relentless work ethic can routinely defy pre-draft projections. While scouts frequently fall in love with raw athletic upside, wingspan, and vertical leap, Brunson has thrived through impeccable footwork, elite deceleration, and an uncanny ability to absorb contact in the paint against much taller rim protectors.

During his tenure in Dallas, Nowitzki witnessed firsthand the maturity and professionalism that defined Brunson’s early career. Even so, the leap from a high-efficiency secondary playmaker to a primary option who commands constant double-teams and carries a heavy offensive usage rate remains a rare evolutionary jump in professional basketball. Brunson’s performance in New York has effectively rewritten the ceiling placed on second-round picks who lack elite athletic measurements.

Implications for the Eastern Conference Landscape

For the Knicks, Brunson’s transformation from a solid complementary piece to a bonafide superstar has completely altered the franchise’s competitive timeline. New York transitioned from a perennial play-in contender into a legitimate championship threat, anchoring its identity around Brunson’s clutch shot-making and leadership under head coach Tom Thibodeau.

As opposing defenses continue to scheme specifically to slow down Brunson—deploying box-and-ones, trapping high pick-and-rolls, and sending multiple bodies on drives—his ability to read coverages dictates New York’s offensive ceiling. Nowitzki’s public acknowledgment serves as validation from one of the greatest international players in NBA history, underscoring just how rare and unexpected this particular superstar journey truly is.

Next Steps and Regular-Season Outlook

The Knicks continue their demanding 2024–25 regular-season schedule with upcoming matchups against elite conference rivals as they jockey for prime playoff seeding. Fans and analysts alike will monitor Brunson’s ongoing workload and health report as New York navigates the grueling winter slate.

What do you think of Jalen Brunson’s incredible rise? Join the conversation in the comments below and share your thoughts on the Knicks’ championship aspirations.