What Jalen Brunson Can Teach Us About Leadership

You don't have to be a lifelong New York Knicks fan to appreciate what Jalen Brunson has accomplished. I've been in New York City for over 25 years, and this last NBA season was nothing short of remarkable. 

The more I hear of what Jalen Brunson has to say, the more I think we can all learn from him. Whether you're managing a business, coaching a team, or leading an organization, there are valuable leadership lessons in the way Brunson approaches his career. 

Here are 10 points we can learn from Brunson: 

1. Lead by Example

In a world where professional athletes can easily rise and fall, Bruson shows consistency in the way he conducts himself both on and off the court. Instead of complaining or lashing out, he always keeps a positive attitude. That consistency matters because when you’re leading a team or company, it’s important to remember that people are watching at all times.  

2. Be a Team Player

Brunson always emphasizes the contributions of the players around him and understands that winning is a result of everyone fulfilling their role. In my own experience, the success of our New York sales team and U.S. sales team has always been due to the incredible team members we have. We complement each other’s skills and work toward goals together.

3. Share the Wealth

In 2024, Brunson agreed to a contract extension that paid considerably less than he might have earned by waiting another year, giving the Knicks greater salary cap flexibility to build a stronger roster around him. According to ESPN, Brunson said he was completely comfortable with the decision because winning mattered more than maximizing every dollar he could earn. That decision reminds me of Tom Brady, who repeatedly structured contracts that allowed the Patriots to surround him with stronger teammates. Great leaders understand that when everyone has the opportunity to succeed, the entire organization becomes stronger.

4. Practice Humility

Even after outstanding performances, Brunson rarely talks about himself for long. Instead, he redirects praise toward teammates, coaches, and the collaborations that produced the result.

Leaders can practice this same strategy by recognizing others for their efforts. 

5. Don't Let Others Bring You Down

During Game 3 of the NBA Finals, Victor Wembanyama fouled Brunson though it wasn’t called on the floor as reported by ESPN. While others believed it was a flagrant foul, Brunson continued to play on. 

That lesson applies equally well in business. Every leader faces criticism, setbacks, and unfair situations. The question is never whether those moments will come, but how we choose to respond. The most effective leaders invest their energy where it can make a difference rather than on frustrations they cannot change.

6. Clear Your Mind

Even during games when the Knicks rallied from large deficits, Brunson’s mentality remained unaffected. He prepares for games by carrying out pre-game routines and practicing visualization, along with other techniques to stay level-headed. He led the team with his quiet confidence and ability, as noted in Sports Illustrated. For leaders, it’s a good reminder to have the right mindset regardless of the outside pressures.  

7. Give Back

Brunson’s journey includes going from second-round draft pick to NBA All-Star, and he has used his platform to support other causes. One of these is the Second Round Foundation, which aims to create equity for young people through education, sport, and community. After Game 4 in the NBA Finals, in which the Knicks achieved an historic comeback, Brunson first referenced a family he had met through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, as reported in USA Today Sports.

8. Hard Work

Brunson's success reflects countless unseen hours spent refining his game preparing for every challenge. Leadership often works in a similar way. There’s no substitute for continually learning and specializing in a niche.  

9. Make Time for Others

One of my sons was lucky enough to get an autograph and picture with Brunson. The most successful leaders typically understand that people always come first. Real estate is really a relationship business, and people are more likely to reach out to you if they have a personal connection. 

10. Don't Give Up... Ever!

Perhaps the defining characteristic of this Knicks team was its refusal to quit. They repeatedly rallied even when winning seemed out of reach. Some of Brunson’s defining moments during the playoffs came when it looked like the team was down, as he continued to play with a winning attitude. The Knicks carried out the largest comeback in NBA Finals history during Game 4 of the finals. The leaders who make the greatest impact are those who keep moving forward even when it seems the odds are against them. 

Jalen Brunson's legacy will almost certainly include his rise from a second round draft pick to three-time NBA All-Star, championship and MVP accolades. That said, his greatest contribution may be the reminder that leadership is about staying focused, putting in the time and effort, and being a team player. In addition to building championship basketball teams, those skills help create high-performing teams in the workplace and long-time success.