Career Timeline of Jalen Brunson: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Jalen Brunson built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Jalen Brunson, nicknamed "Brunson Burner," is an American professional basketball player currently with the New York Knicks. He was drafted 33rd overall in 2018 by the Dallas Mavericks, where he spent his first four NBA seasons. Brunson achieved significant success in college basketball at Villanova University, earning National Player of the Year honors during his junior year and securing two national championships.

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Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

May 5, 2014: Invited to USA U18 Team Tryouts

On May 5, 2014, Jalen Brunson was among the 21 athletes invited to try out for the 12-member USA national team for the FIBA Americas Under-18 Championship.

June 18, 2015: Named to USA Basketball U19 Team

On June 18, 2015, Jalen Brunson was selected as a member of the 12-man 2015 USA Basketball Men's U19 World Cup Team for the 2015 FIBA Under-19 World Cup.

2015: Participation in All-Star Games and FIBA World Cup

In 2015, Brunson participated in the McDonald's All-American Boys Game, Jordan Brand Classic, and Nike Hoop Summit. He also earned the MVP award at the 2015 FIBA Under-19 World Cup.

2015: Start of College Basketball Career

In 2015, Jalen Brunson started his college basketball career with 12 points and 4 assists against Fairleigh Dickinson Knights.

2016: NBA Draft

In 2016, Jalen Brunson was considered for the NBA Draft.

June 21, 2018: Drafted by Dallas Mavericks

On June 21, 2018, Jalen Brunson was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks with the 33rd overall pick in the NBA draft, becoming the fourth Villanova player selected in the 2018 draft.

October 17, 2018: NBA Debut

On October 17, 2018, Jalen Brunson made his NBA debut with the Dallas Mavericks, recording three points, one rebound, and one assist in a loss against the Phoenix Suns.

2018: Drafted into the NBA

In 2018, Jalen Brunson was drafted into the NBA with the 33rd overall selection by the Dallas Mavericks and played his first four seasons in the NBA with them.

March 12, 2019: Career-High 34 Points Against Spurs

On March 12, 2019, Jalen Brunson scored a career-high 34 points, along with five rebounds and four assists, in a loss to the San Antonio Spurs.

December 16, 2019: Mavericks End Bucks' Win Streak

On December 16, 2019, with Luka Dončić out and Jalen Brunson starting, the Mavericks ended the Milwaukee Bucks' 18-game win streak, with Brunson posting a career-high 11 assists and his first double-double of the season, scoring 13 points.

April 16, 2022: Playoffs Game 1

On April 16, 2022, in Game 1 of the first round of the playoffs, Jalen Brunson scored 24 points, had seven rebounds, and five assists in a 93–99 loss to the Utah Jazz.

June 2, 2022: Father Hired by Knicks

On June 2, 2022, Jalen Brunson's father was hired by the New York Knicks as an assistant coach.

July 12, 2022: Signed with New York Knicks

On July 12, 2022, Jalen Brunson signed a four-year, $104 million contract with the New York Knicks.

2022: Signed with the New York Knicks

In 2022, after playing for the Dallas Mavericks, Jalen Brunson signed with the New York Knicks as a free agent.

January 4, 2023: Scores 38 points against Spurs

On January 4, 2023, Jalen Brunson scored 38 points, alongside seven rebounds and six assists in a 117–114 win over the San Antonio Spurs.

June 4, 2023: Commitment to Team USA for FIBA World Cup

On June 4, 2023, Jalen Brunson was one of the first commitments to Team USA for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

January 1, 2024: Career-High Assists Against Timberwolves

On January 1, 2024, Jalen Brunson achieved a career-high of 14 assists against the Minnesota Timberwolves during OG Anunoby's debut with the Knicks.

August 6, 2024: Named Knicks Captain

On August 6, 2024, Jalen Brunson was named the 36th captain in the history of the New York Knicks franchise.

2024: NBA All-Star and All-NBA Team Selection

In 2024, Jalen Brunson became an NBA All-Star and received an All-NBA Team selection for the first time. He also set and tied NBA records for three-point shots made in a half and single-game without a miss, respectively.

2024: Olympic Games Invitation Secured

In 2024, Team USA secured an invitation to the Olympic Games after finishing high enough (top 2 in the Americas) in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.