Dirk Nowitzki couldn't be happier for Jalen Brunson in New York with the Knicks. But looking back, the NBA legend can only admit he didn't imagine seeing him become a superstar.
Joining NBA insider Marc Stein in a special interview for the DLLS Mavericks Podcast, Nowitzki offered appreciation for Brunson and his honest reflection regarding the all-time rise of the Knicks guard.
"Yeah, I loved it for him. Loved watching his evolution. I got to say I was skeptical when he went to New York as a franchise player in that market," Nowitzki said. "He's a quiet, shy guy to go to that market, in that media market. I was a little worried, but man, has it been unbelievable on and off the floor, and really carrying this franchise. So, well deserved to win the championship, bring the championship back there after 50-something years, Finals MVP.
"I mean, it's been an incredible run, and I got to say I didn't see that development coming from him. I knew he was super solid already in his rookie year. He's smart. He knows how to get to spots. But I could tell he had an unbelievable work ethic. Always in the gym shooting before and after practices, always trying to get better with our coaches. But I didn't think he was going to have a franchise-player-type ceiling and a Finals MVP. So, super happy for him. The footwork, the shiftiness, and how he gets to his spots, it's been so much fun to watch him and follow him.
"We all know that he's a great dude, so we're all happy for him."
Jalen Brunson Shared the Court With Dirk Nowitzki in His Final NBA Season
Along with Luka Doncic, Jalen Brunson was taken under Dirk Nowitzki’s wing during the final NBA season of his legendary career.
Both Doncic and Brunson entered the Mavs as fellow rookies and shared special time with Nowitzki, as the German icon eventually called it quits at the end of the 2018-19 season.
However, all the hype has truly centered on Doncic, considering that he was the franchise's prized pick and chosen successor to Nowitzki. On the other hand, Brunson was shoved aside and didn't get much coverage, as he is a second-round pick and has often been doubted due to his small frame as a guard.
In the end, in an incredible twist of fate, Brunson finds himself arguably ahead now of Doncic. From being a backup and backcourt partner of the Slovenian superstar in Dallas, Brunson's 2022 arrival in New York made him a superstar in his own right who revived the Knicks' relevance.
Brunson solidified his case as an all-time great by authoring one of the greatest underdog stories in all of sports, as he powered the Knicks to win their first-ever NBA title in 53 years.
Dirk Nowitzki reveals message to Jalen Brunson after Knicks NBA title run
Nevertheless, Dirk Nowitzki has nothing but love for Jalen Brunson, even revealing that he sent a text message to his former rookie and teammate after he won the 2026 NBA championship with the New York Knicks.
"I must have said, Not bad, old man. Not bad, my friend.' I didn't want to hype him up too much," the Hall of Famer added. "I'm sure he gets a lot of hype now, especially in New York, after delivering something that they haven't had in decades. But I just told him I'm super proud of you, well deserved, and enjoy this recognition because it's a summer long and you're the best. You're the best team, and there's a lot of accolades that come your way.
"They were well deserved, and how he's done it since he got to New York and done it the right way, always worked hard, played every game. It's been fun to watch."