Jalen Brunson went from being a second-round pick to an NBA championship-winning superstar, but he has always had his doubters.
One of the first big names who didn't quite think he would make it at first was Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki.
The German has now revealed the reason why and also how Brunson changed his mind very, very quickly during their time together with the Mavs.
Nowitzki and Brunson shared the locker room at the Dallas Mavericks in the 2018-19 season.
The former was in his final season at the Mavs, while Brunson had just been drafted with the 33rd overall pick. He was viewed as a big talent at the time, but there were a few question marks.
The point guard had to prove himself, but on his first day in Dallas, when he entered the training facilities, Nowitzki had just one thought in his mind: Brunson is never going to make it.
The reason? His big head. Nowitzki thought that would make him fall forward all the time.
The Mavs icon said on The Roommates Show: "You know, when I first saw Jaylen walk in the training facility, I was like, this is not going to work.
"His body, you know, the head's too big. I'm like, how is he not falling forward the whole time? I'm like, how's he going to play in the NBA at this level?
"But then I saw his footwork, how smart he is, his work ethic… I mean, it was just outstanding. He was always with our shooting coach, then he was with Shams (God Shammgod) working on his dribbling, then he was doing extra shooting workouts.
"So, it was extremely great to see his work ethic, you know, just in that one season. And I was really happy when he got his opportunity when Luka was hurt there."
Brunson would then go on to join the New York Knicks in 2022, signing a four-year, $104 million contract. He has been brilliant for them and finally won the NBA championship last season.
His head may have been big, but Brunson's work ethic has helped him become a huge star over the years.
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