Dirk Nowitzki Admits He Was Wrong About Jalen Brunson’s Knicks Potential
Dirk Nowitzki admits he never expected Jalen Brunson to become a Knicks franchise star and NBA Finals MVP.
Jalen Brunson’s transformation into the face of the New York Knicks surprised almost everyone—including one of the greatest players in NBA history.
Dirk Nowitzki recently admitted that he did not expect his former Dallas Mavericks teammate to develop into a franchise cornerstone capable of handling the pressure of New York and leading the Knicks to an NBA championship.
Nowitzki always respected Brunson’s intelligence, personality and dedication. What he underestimated was the guard’s ceiling.
Nowitzki Was Skeptical About Brunson in New York
Nowitzki and Brunson shared the court during the 2018-19 season, the final year of the Hall of Famer’s legendary career and Brunson’s first in the NBA.
The Mavericks had selected Brunson with the 33rd overall pick in the 2018 draft. He immediately looked like a dependable rotation player, averaging 9.3 points and 3.2 assists across 73 appearances as a rookie.
Nowitzki noticed Brunson’s ability to control the game, reach his preferred spots and make intelligent decisions. He also saw a young player who regularly arrived early, stayed late and worked relentlessly with Dallas’ coaches.
Even with those encouraging signs, Nowitzki did not envision Brunson becoming the leading player for a championship team.
When Brunson signed with New York in 2022, Nowitzki wondered whether his reserved personality would translate to one of basketball’s most demanding markets. Becoming the Knicks’ franchise player meant handling enormous expectations, constant media attention and the pressure of representing a fan base desperate to win.
Brunson answered every question.
Brunson Developed From Second-Round Pick to Finals MVP
Brunson’s rise in New York has become one of the NBA’s most compelling development stories.
He arrived with a reputation as a reliable starting point guard. He quickly became an All-Star, an All-NBA performer and one of the league’s most effective clutch scorers.
The defining moment came during the 2026 NBA Finals. Brunson led the Knicks past the San Antonio Spurs, finishing the championship-clinching fifth game with 45 points. New York captured its first NBA title since 1973, ending a 53-year drought.
Brunson was named Finals MVP after repeatedly delivering during the most important possessions of the series. His footwork, balance and ability to create space allowed him to score against taller and more athletic defenders.
The qualities Nowitzki noticed during Brunson’s rookie season—preparation, intelligence and discipline—eventually became the foundation of a franchise player.
What changed was not Brunson’s approach. It was the size of the opportunity placed in front of him.
Nowitzki Praises Brunson’s Footwork and Work Ethic
Nowitzki expressed particular admiration for the way Brunson creates scoring opportunities without relying on elite size or explosive athleticism.
The Knicks guard uses changes of direction, body control and precise footwork to manipulate defenders. He rarely appears hurried, even when operating in traffic or facing pressure late in games.
Those skills were refined through years of repetition. Brunson’s work before and after practices convinced Nowitzki that he would have a successful career, even if the former Mavericks star did not predict how far that success would go.
Brunson has also shown that personality does not determine whether a player can survive in New York. He may not seek attention away from the court, but his composure has become one of his greatest leadership qualities.
Rather than being overwhelmed by the market, Brunson has given the city an identity built around preparation, accountability and toughness.
Nowitzki Reveals His Message After Knicks’ Championship
Nowitzki contacted Brunson after the Knicks completed their championship run.
The former Mavericks star kept the message light, reportedly opening with the playful line, “Not bad, old man.” He then expressed his pride and encouraged Brunson to enjoy the recognition that came with leading New York to the title.
The message reflected the relationship between former teammates. Nowitzki did not want to add to the overwhelming praise Brunson was already receiving, but he wanted the guard to understand the significance of what he had accomplished.
Few players ever become franchise stars. Even fewer carry the Knicks to a championship and win Finals MVP.
Brunson’s Rise Shows the Limits of NBA Projections
Nowitzki was far from the only person who underestimated Brunson.
Thirty-two players were selected before him in the 2018 NBA Draft. Teams questioned his size, athleticism and long-term potential despite a decorated college career that included two national championships at Villanova.
A 2018 redraft would now place Brunson near the very top of the class.
His journey demonstrates why evaluating young players involves more than physical measurements. Work ethic, basketball intelligence and the ability to perform under pressure can be difficult to quantify before a player receives a major opportunity.
Nowitzki saw Brunson’s professionalism from the beginning. What he—and much of the NBA—did not anticipate was that those habits would eventually produce a championship leader.
Brunson did more than exceed expectations. He became the player who finally returned the Knicks to the top of the NBA.
