Jalen Brunson Reveals Shocking Feeling Toward Luka Doncic During Time in Dallas
New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson recently revealed that Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic made him question himself in Dallas, Texas. Brunson, 29, and Doncic, 27, were Dallas Mavericks teammates from 2018 to 2022. The two NBA players go way back. Brunson tried to make a name for himself in Dallas, while Doncic dominated in The Big D with his effortless play on the court.
Fast forward to the present. Brunson’s facing San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama in the 2026 NBA Finals. Doncic and the Lakers suffered a second-round exit, a 4-0 sweep by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Here is Brunson’s recent revelation, and why it matters.
Jalen Brunson Reveals Luka Doncic Made Him Question Himself in Dallas
Jalen Brunson is on a path to achieving one of his dreams. He’s at the forefront of the New York Knicks’ success after infamously leaving the Dallas Mavericks following the 2021-22 NBA season. He averaged 11.9 points, 3.7 assists, and 3 assists over 277 career games as a Dallas Maverick.
Before the Knicks and Spurs’ Game 1 on Wednesday, Brunson was asked whether he had ever felt imposter syndrome — a psychological pattern where people doubt their abilities and fear being exposed as frauds, despite their clear competence.
He responded, “The only time is probably my rookie year … Playing pickup with the team in Dallas and then obviously watching Luka doing his thing so effortlessly … That was probably the only time, and it made me kind of question myself to see how hard I actually had to work to be in the position that I wanted to be.”
He doesn’t doubt himself very often. He was drafted by the Mavericks as the 33rd overall pick in the second round of the 2018 NBA Draft. He was named College Basketball Player of the Decade by the Sporting News in 2019 at Villanova. However, it’s important to note that he doubted himself in Dallas, as he faces tremendous pressure to deliver in New York City.
Brunson’s Rise in New York City
Brunson’s rise in New York City stemmed from a process, not a quick fix. Brunson began his NBA career as a part-time starting point guard for the Mavericks, who averaged less than 10 points per game.
As he watched Doncic adjust to the highest level of basketball, he ended up re-evaluating his own approach. He questioned himself to see how hard he had to work to be in the position that he wanted to be in. He isn’t one of the biggest guards in the NBA, but he brings his work ethic, savviness, and grittiness to the table.
Nobody’s Perfect
Brunson and Doncic were Mavs teammates for four years. Now, neither NBA player remains in Dallas. Brunson’s just two wins away from an NBA championship. Brunson has been leading the Knicks’ postseason success. Doncic’s growth as a leader in Los Angeles has been a talking point. Doncic has been shining for the Lakers in terms of defense, shooting, and playmaking.
It’s important to note that, while both NBA players have been achieving significant success in the NBA, neither NBA player is perfect. In short, perfection is an unattainable ideal, as it’s more of a concept than a reality.
After Game 2, The Athletic’s James L. Edwards III asked Brunson about pressure to better understand his own anxiety. Edwards III described his anxiety as both goofy and somewhat egocentric. He said that he views pressure as his father, who was in the NBA on multiple 10-day contracts and non-guaranteed deals, for his family to live. He added that he has it easy.
