Jalen Brunson’s ESPYs sweep: the story of one of basketball’s greatest underdog journeys

Jalen Brunson’s night at the ESPYs was a celebration of a championship season. But it was also a reminder of how unlikely his journey to NBA superstardom once seemed.

The New York Knicks guard took home some of the biggest honors of the night, winning awards for Best Championship Performance, Best NBA Player, and Best Athlete - Men’s Sports. These honors just gave Brunson even more recognition to a season that transformed him from an underrated talent into the face of one of basketball’s most historic franchises.

But Brunson’s story has never been about being the obvious choice. For much of his career, he has been the player teams underestimated, until he repeatedly proved them wrong.

From second-round pick to franchise cornerstone

Brunson entered the NBA in 2018 after a decorated college career at Villanova, where he won two national championships and established himself as one of the best guards in the country.

Despite that success, NBA teams passed on him throughout the first round of the draft. The Dallas Mavericks selected him with the 33rd overall pick, leaving Brunson with something to prove from the beginning.

He quickly showed he belonged. During his time in Dallas, Brunson developed into a reliable ball-handler and scorer, but he was still viewed by many as a supporting piece rather than a potential franchise centerpiece. That perception changed after he joined the Knicks.

The player who changed everything in New York

When Brunson signed with New York in 2022, the move was viewed by some as a questionable investment. Critics questioned whether he could become the type of player capable of leading a franchise.

But it didn’t take long for that question to be answered. Brunson became the engine of the Knicks’ offense, delivering big performances in pressure moments and embracing the expectations that come with playing in New York. His leadership helped turn the Knicks into a championship contender before ultimately leading them to their first NBA title in more than five decades.

In addition to Brunson’s three awards, the Knicks received two more ESPY’s - for Best Team and Best Play for OG Anunoby’s tip-in during the 2026 NBA Finals.

What Brunson’s ESPYs night really means

Winning awards at the ESPYs was another milestone, but the bigger story was what those awards represented. Brunson’s rise reflects a changing perception of what an NBA superstar looks like. He does not fit the traditional image of a dominant physical athlete. He is not the tallest or most explosive player on the court.

Instead, his success has been built on skill, toughness, decision-making and an ability to perform when the pressure is highest. Those qualities helped him lead the Knicks to the top of the NBA and made him one of the most respected players in the league.

For decades, New York searched for the player who could restore the franchise to championship glory, and Brunson became that player. His ESPYs recognition was not simply about one season or one championship. It was the latest chapter in a career defined by proving people wrong. The second-round pick who was once overlooked is now the face of the NBA champions, and one of the biggest stars in sports.

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