A Champion For Character

This past week, the NBA experienced a once-in-a-generation earthquake. Jalen Brunson, a 27-year-old All-Star guard who plays for the New York Knicks, signed a four-year extension with the team for $156.5 million. But here’s what caused the shockwaves: If he had waited just one more year, Brunson could have signed a contract that would have given him an additional $113 million. Yikes!

By all reports, Brunson agreed to the new deal so the team could use the “savings” to keep their current roster in place and sign new players. 

Social media influencers and podcasters were apoplectic. They called his decision stupid. Horrible. Disgusting. These pundits argued that no player in his prime should ever leave that much money on the table. 

Rationally, athletes should prioritize maximizing career earnings over winning. The average NBA career lasts only 4.5 years. It’s a meager 3.3 years for NFL players. 

Yet his signing makes sense for those of us who have followed Jalen Bruson since his college days. One journalist hit the mark when he wrote that when people look up the definition of “team player” in the dictionary, there should be a picture of Jalen Brunson. Although now known for his scoring, during Brunson’s high school and college years, he epitomized the mindset of a point guard who cares more about assists than points.  

Jalen Brunson also appears to be that rare person who doesn’t worship the almighty dollar. He’s repeatedly told the media how much he loves being a Knick, playing for Coach Thibs, and how excited he is to take the court this coming season with three of his college teammates wearing a Knick uniform. 

He’s also sending a clear signal to his teammates that earning a championship ring is his #1 career priority and that he knows he can’t accomplish that goal alone. Or as one basketball writer put it: “Money is great, but competing for championships with your best friends is priceless.”

Let’s hope that in the years to come, we will hear from many more athletes, performers, and other role models that money alone does not buy happiness. Or, paraphrasing Dr. King, can we imagine a future where people want to be judged by the content of their character, not by the amount of money in their bank account?