Knicks Star Jalen Brunson Explains His Definition of Success

Jalen Brunson's career has exploded over the past two years, but the Knicks' star says the way he defines success has not changed. 

The point guard was already highly decorated upon entering the NBA. Brunson won two national championships at Villanova. In 2018, he was named the National College Player of the year and was also a consensus first-team All-American. 

Despite his collegiate success, Brunson wasn't selected until the second round of the 2018 Draft, where he was selected for the Mavericks. He was a key player in Dallas before signing a big deal with the Knicks in 2022. 

With the Knicks, the point guard has taken his game to a new level. He's helped to turn New York into a title contender, has made the last two All-Star games, and was named the league's Clutch Player of the Year in 2025. 

During a recent broadcast of his Roommates show, Brunson was asked if the success has changed his outlook. He responded:

"People think you make a lot of money. That’s a successful career. It can be to some people, but obviously, others may be able to win. It varies from person to person, but I think, obviously, going through a journey and trying to perfect who you are as a basketball player, and then do whatever you can to try to win a championship. My definition of success has not changed. Honestly, I don’t know why I just babbled. It hasn’t changed. You win or you don’t succeed. Plain and simple."