The Magic Is In The Work

An Ode To Jalen Brunson

As a Celtics fan, this is a tad painful to write.

As a basketball fan, it’s easy.

And when you really take the time to understand Jalen, his background and what he stands for - it’s impossible not to both love and respect this guy.

Brunson is listed at 6'2" (generously). His father, Rick, was a journeyman NBA guard who spent nine seasons bouncing around the league, including a stint with the Knicks in 1999. Jalen grew up in the gym, watching his dad work, then doing the work himself. He went to Villanova, won two national championships ('16 and '18), and was named the national Player of the Year as a junior. The NBA still took him in the second round. Pick 33. He spent four years in Dallas, mostly in Luka Dončić's shadow, before signing with the Knicks in 2022 for four years and $104 million, a number most people called absurd at the time. Where are those people now 👀

I’m writing this in the middle of the NBA Finals, the New York Knicks are up 2-1 against the San Antonio Spurs. The city is buzzing. They are red hot under Brunson’s leadership. In these moments, the world tends to double click. Who the heck is this Brunson guy? Where did he come from? What is he all about?

My sleuthing was incredibly brief because I quickly came across the anecdote that told me everything I needed to know. It’s a variant of a philosophy shared by so many other greats. That philosophy is: “the magic is in the work.”

"The magic is in the work." His parents put this phrase everywhere. On the wall. In his mirror. They wrote it on his brown paper bag lunch. Brunson couldn’t escape these words. His parents ensured Brunson internalized them.

And now, with the Knicks in the Finals for the first time in 27 years, the bracelet on his wrist says the same. The magic is in the work.

The phrase really speaks for itself, as most good phrases do. In Jalen’s case, it’s powerful because we all see it in his actions. The way he carries himself and the way he has carried himself ever since the Villanova days.

And further, his game mirrors his character. No flash, no highlight reel dunks, just relentlessly efficient, team-oriented ball.

Basketball (and team affiliation!) aside, Jalen Brunson is the type of leader (and person) that we should all look up to. Kind, low ego, simply focused on putting in the work. I find the simplicity of it, well…magical.

Here’s your reminder for the week: the magic is in the work.