Everybody loves an underdog story. Whether it’s Kurt Warner’s rise from stocking grocery shelves to leading the Rams and Cardinals, or Jimmy Butler’s grind from junior college to six-time NBA All-Star and Finals champion, an unexpected come-up is always inspiring. Take Jalen Brunson, who was drafted 33rd in 2018 and is now one of the league’s most respected leaders. There’s something magnetic about an overlooked player becoming a fan favorite. While underdogs often credit extra hours in the gym, they all agree the real difference comes down to mindset.
I sat down with Brunson, in partnership with O’Keeffe’s, 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.
“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.”
